Definition:
Until I came over a TikTok video, I had never heard of Alexithymia. Curious, I did some research on the subject. This is what I discovered; Early in the 1970s, psychiatrist and Harvard Medical School professor emeritus Peter Sifneos gave the first description of alexithymia. The word is Greek in origin, with "a" denoting lack, "lexis" meaning word, and "thymos" denoting emotion. Taken together, the meaning of the phrase is "lack of words for emotions." While the condition is not well-known, it’s estimated that 1 in 10 people trusted Source has it.
Despite the fact that it may coexist with some mental health issues, it is not a clinical diagnostic and is not regarded as an illness by mental health specialists.
Symptoms:
challenges Problems differentiating between feelings and emotions and the physical manifestations of those sentiments.
restricted capacity to convey feelings to others challenges identifying and reacting to others' emotions, including through voice and facial expressions.
a deficiency of imagination and fantasy in trusted sources.
a strict, rational way of thinking that ignores feelings inadequate stress management techniques acting less selflessly than others acting in a cold, stiff, and humorless manner.
low life satisfaction.
problems with introspection, or observing their own mental and emotional processes.
experience confusion around bodily sensations connected to emotions.
struggle to communicate their emotions to others.
Alexithymia also makes it difficult for people to identify and respond to emotions in others.
These issues can lead to difficulties in social settings and interpersonal relationships.
Factors
It's unclear what exactly alexithymia is. It could be passed down through generations, for no apparent reason. Brain injury to the insula may be the cause of the disorder. Based on certain research (Trusted Source), insula lesions are associated with anxiety and apathy. This region of the brain is well-known for its function in social skills, empathy, and emotions.
Diagnosis
Alexithymia is not a mental health disorder, so doctors and mental health professionals cannot formally diagnose the phenomenon. However, there are questionnaires and scales that professionals can use to check for signs of alexithymia.
The Bermond–Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) consists of 40 items divided into five subscales: sensitization, imagination, identification, analysis, and verbalization. On the other hand, the Observer Alexithymia Scale (OAS) comprises 33 items and is organized into the following five-factor hierarchy: remote, inflexible, somatizing, and humorless.
Alexithymia is often linked with depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), Autism, ADHD (Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), and even eating disorders Possible trauma Additionally, this condition has been noted in people who have experienced trauma, especially during early childhood. Trauma and neglect at this stage may cause changes in the brain that can make it difficult to feel and identify emotions later in life.
A few studies showed that its percentage is higher among individuals with PTSD.
Approaches
As of right now, alexithymia has no specific treatment available. Your overall health requirements determine the particular treatment plan. For instance, using certain drugs for anxiety or depression may also help with mental health issues. For this problem, therapies may be beneficial. These let you take part in activities that promote mental wellness. Among the potential therapeutic approaches are: Group therapy, psychotherapy (often referred to as "talk therapy"), and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Strategies for adjusting
Being aware of your own bodily reactions is one step that can lead to emotional recognition. It's crucial to start with your heart rate, according to some research. If you find that your heart rate increases under specific circumstances, consider the reasons why. Another useful tool is a fitness watch or heart rate monitor. You might get better at telling rage apart from fear and enthusiasm, for example, with practice. You can also record your emotional and physical reactions in a notebook. Remembering that negative emotions are equally significant to positive ones is also crucial. Being able to recognize these feelings and deal with them rather than resisting them will make you a more fulfilled with your life.
When to visit a medical professional
Those who suffer from alexithymia, as well as friends and family, may become frustrated. Consider discussing your concerns with a doctor if you believe you're experiencing problems identifying or expressing your emotions. They can assist in directing you toward the most appropriate forms of therapy to help you advance these crucial life skills.
The bottom line
Although little is known about alexithymia, it has been researched for more than 40 years Trusted Source. It manifests in people who struggle to identify and communicate their emotions, and it frequently coexists with another underlying neurological disease or mental health issue. Although not intrinsically harmful, this condition may unintentionally result in problems with relationships and interpersonal interactions. The good news is that you can enhance your mental health abilities with the help of accessible therapies. Not only will this improve your relationships with other people, but more significantly, it might make you feel better.
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interesting! feels like alexithymia is a symptom or byproduct of some bigger thing, like an emotionally incomplete or scarring upbringing maybe?