Alexithymia and self-reflectiveness in bronchial asthma

Riv Psichiatr. 2015 Sep-Oct;50(5):245-52. doi: 10.1708/2040.22168.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of alexithymia in bronchial asthma (BA) patients with low respiratory functioning hypothesizing that it could be used to differentiate a group of patients with clinically significant anxiety and depressive symptoms. We also aimed to investigate whether alexithymia was associated with reduced cognitive insight. Patients (n=153) were administered the State- Trait Anxiety Inventory-State subscale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS). Alexithymia could help differentiate a group of patients with low respiratory functioning. Twenty-two percent of patients included in this subsample had airway obstruction, and 51% reported severe alexithymia. Patients with severe airway obstruction and high alexithymia (compared to other patients) also reported higher self-reflectiveness, and more depressive symptoms. Clinicians have to be aware of the presence of a subgroup of asthma patients with low respiratory functioning who report severe alexithymia. These patients often report moderate to severe depression and frequent doubts about one's own beliefs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affective Symptoms / epidemiology
  • Affective Symptoms / etiology*
  • Aged
  • Asthma / complications*
  • Asthma / epidemiology
  • Awareness*
  • Comorbidity
  • Consciousness*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Personality Inventory
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychometrics
  • Respiratory Function Tests