Comparison of alexithymia in somatoform and chronic physical disorders: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: It has been found that patients with somatoform disorders commonly have difficulties in recognizing and expressing their emotions, which plays important role in treatment outcome. Again chronic physical disorders are also influenced by emotional factors and vice-versa. Considering these fact, we compared alexithymia in patients with somatoform disorders and chronic physical illness. Methods: This cross sectional observation study was conducted in north-east India. Group I consisted of 30 patients diagnosed as somatoform disorder using ICD-10 and group II consisted of 30 patients with chronic physical illness which were selected after matching with first group. Toronto Alexithymia Scale (26 items) was applied on both groups after obtaining informed consent. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Prevalence of alexithymia was found to be very high in patients with somatoform disorder (64%) as compared to chronic physical illness (36%). Conclusion:The study showed that alexithymia can be considered as risk factor to develop somatoform disorders. Alexithymia predisposes the subject to develop longer lasting somatic illnesses and also it has high impact on treatment outcome. So assessment of alexithymia in patients of somatoform disorder can help us for optimum management.