The association between alexithymia as assessed by the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and depression: A meta-analysis

Li, Shuwen; Zhang, Bin; Guo, Yufang; Zhang, Jingping

doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2015.02.006

Cited by 251 publications

(185 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…These results with youths support studies on adult populations that showed that alexithymia is a relevant concept in understanding the onset of difficulties (Taylor and Bagby, 2013;Li et al, 2015). However, research with this population generally found stronger effects for girls between child maltreatment, alexithymia and maladaptive outcomes (Swannell et al, 2012;Brown et al, 2017).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 80%

“…In general population samples, alexithymia is found to be associated with a host of internalized and externalized behavior problems (Honkalampi et al, 2009;Li et al, 2015). Past studies lend support to the claim that higher levels of alexithymia are characteristics of clinical populations with mental health issues such as somatoform disorders (Koch et al, 2015), self-harming behaviors (Lee, 2016) and conduct disorders (Deborde et al, 2014).…”

Section: Alexithymiamentioning

confidence: 86%

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Alexithymia as a mediator of the relationship between child sexual abuse and psychological distress in adolescence: A short-term longitudinal study

Hébert

Boisjoli

Blais

et al. 2018

Psychiatry Research

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Background-Understanding factors influencing mental health of sexually abused teenagers is essential to orient treatment with this vulnerable population. The purpose of this study was to explore alexithymia as a mediator of the relationship between child sexual abuse and psychological distress using a representative sample of teenagers, while considering gender as a potential moderator.Methods-Teenagers participating in the Quebec Youths' Romantic Relationships Survey completed measures evaluating a history of child sexual abuse and alexithymia at baseline while psychological distress was evaluated 6 months later.Results-A moderated mediated model revealed a partial mediation effect of alexithymia in the relationship between child sexual abuse and psychological distress. Gender acted as a moderator as the conditional indirect effects of child sexual abuse on mental health via alexithymia were stronger for boys.Conclusion-Findings underscore the relevance of assessing and targeting sexually abused victims' capacity to identify and communicate emotions to promote well-being.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 80%

Section: Alexithymiamentioning

confidence: 86%

Alexithymia as a mediator of the relationship between child sexual abuse and psychological distress in adolescence: A short-term longitudinal study

Hébert

Boisjoli

Blais

et al. 2018

Psychiatry Research

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“…Alexithymia and depression share many clinical characteristics, such as negative affect, a decreased ability to communicate affect to others, the use of less adaptive emotional regulation strategies, and suppression of affect [12]. A molecular model suggested that some inhibitory transcription factors cannot bind to the promoter region of the 5-HT1A receptor gene HTR1A if the G allele is present, thus hindering the inhibitory downregulation feedback of presynaptic 5-HT secretion mediated by this receptor and exerting significant effects on the reactivity and volume of the amygdala [13].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic Associations of Alexithymia in Predicting Interferon-Induced Depression in Chronic Hepatitis C

Porcelli

Cozzolongo

Cariola³

et al. 2015

Psychopathology

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Background: Previous studies have shown that alexithymia is associated with gene polymorphisms that regulate the availability of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain. Since the 5-HT network is involved in interferon (IFN)-induced depression, this paper aimed to investigate the role of alexithymia and the functional gene variants of the 5-HT1A receptor (HTR1A) and the 5-HT transporter (5-HTTLPR) in induction of depression during antiviral treatment. Methods: The depressive symptoms of 130 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C and no current psychopathology were measured during treatment with IFN and ribavirin (6-12 months) and at a 6-month follow-up. At baseline, alexithymia and 2 genotypes (5-HTTLPR and HTR1A) were also assessed. Results: Patients with homozygosity for HTR1A-G and 5-HTTLPR long alleles had significantly higher levels of alexithymia. After controlling for sociodemographic and disease-related factors, alexithymia and HTR1A-G polymorphism, both separately (20-22%) and jointly (14-16%), significantly and independently predicted the development of IFN-induced depression. Conclusions: Subjects carrying HTR1A-G and 5-HTTLRP double long alleles are more vulnerable to alexithymia. Also patients with a higher level of alexithymia and the HTR1A-G gene variant are more vulnerable to experiencing IFN-induced depressive symptoms. The clinical implications of targeting alexithymia and HTR1A receptors as a possible treatment option for mood disorders should be investigated in further studies.

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“…There is evidence for a genetic contribution alexithymia (Theorell, Lennartsson, Mosing, & Ullen, 2014), as well as for environmental causes. Alexithymia is associated with several health outcomes, such as depression (Li, Zhang, Guo, & Zhang, 2015), hypertension (Grabe et al, 2010;Jorgensen & Houston, 1986), sympathetic overactivity (Fukunishi, Sei, Morita, & Rahe, 1999), somatic complaints and symptoms (De Gucht & Heiser, 2003), as well as to lower quality of life (Mattila et al, 2010(Mattila et al, , 2009) and life satisfaction (even after controlling for physical health and depression) (Mattila, Poutanen, Koivisto, Salokangas, & Joukamaa, 2007). The most commonly used instrument for assessing alexithymia is the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) which consists of 20 questions (Bagby, Parker, & Taylor, 1994;Parker, Taylor, & Bagby, 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Creative Artistic Achievement Is Related to Lower Levels of Alexithymia

Lennartsson

Horwitz

Theorell

et al. 2017

Creativity Research Journal

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Alexithymia is characterized by deficits in the ability to identify, differentiate, and describe emotions-abilities that are of importance for social interactions, well-being, and, consequently, also for health. The aim of this study was to investigate whether achievements in cultural activities are associated with alexithymia. Participants from the Swedish Twin Registry were 2,279 men and 3,152 women in the ages 27 to 54. Cultural achievement was measured with the Creative Achievement Questionnaire (CAQ) in which participants estimate their achievement in the domains writing, music, visual arts, theater, and dance on a 7-point scale. Alexithymia was measured with the Toronto Alexithymia Score (TAS 20). In sex separated, age, and educationadjusted multivariate analyses, nonpractitioners, amateurs, and professionals in the 5 different CAQ domains were compared with regard to alexithymia scores. For both men and women, achievement in writing and music contributed statistically and independently of one another to a low alexithymia score. In addition, achievement in visual arts contributed independently to low alexithymia score in men and achievement in theatre to low alexithymia score in women. Total creative achievement was calculated as a sum score across domains, and the distribution divided into tertile groups. These groups were compared with regard to alexithymia scores. Large tertile differences were found in both sexes. The results show differences between modalities and cumulative effects of multiple creative achievements.

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The association between alexithymia as assessed by the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and depression: A meta-analysis

Cited by 251 publications

References 60 publications

Alexithymia as a mediator of the relationship between child sexual abuse and psychological distress in adolescence: A short-term longitudinal study

Alexithymia as a mediator of the relationship between child sexual abuse and psychological distress in adolescence: A short-term longitudinal study

Genetic Associations of Alexithymia in Predicting Interferon-Induced Depression in Chronic Hepatitis C

Creative Artistic Achievement Is Related to Lower Levels of Alexithymia

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