Alexithymia

Patients with alexithymia often find it difficult to express their needs and desires. Their speech may be dry and monotonous, and they are not able to relate socially. This disorder can also lead to depression, suicidal ideation, and difficulty relating to others. However, new treatments are being developed to improve the lives of patients with the condition. This disease is very difficult to treat, but it is possible for patients to make progress.


While alexithymia can seem like a helpful coping mechanism, it is also harmful to a person's health. Because of the difficulty in connecting with others, individuals who have this condition are often unable to build positive memories. People with alexithymia often feel angry or frustrated, and may even try to commit suicide in some cases. As a result, they become more depressed and prone to self-harm.

In addition to feeling depressed, individuals with alexithymia often don't have words for the emotions they experience. In fact, they don't even realize that their hearts are racing. They may not associate their racing heart with emotion, but they acknowledge the physiological response at the time. BetterHelp is a website that has therapists who specialize in treating individuals with alexithymi. Plans begin at $60 per week.

Although the term "alexithymia" is not completely empirically validated, it remains a useful clinical construct because it defines a real phenomenon. Despite this difficulty in identifying feelings, people with alexithymia can benefit from therapy. As a result, they may be able to improve their quality of life. They may learn to block out distracting information.

While the condition itself is not a life-threatening disorder, it can be a frustrating experience for people with this disorder. Fortunately, the disorder is not intractable. With courage, you can regain emotional sensitivity and intensity. This will allow you to live a happy, fulfilling life. And, while this condition may seem like an aversion to people, it is also one that can be successfully managed with therapy.

While alexithymia can be a very frustrating condition, it is not insurmountable. With the right kind of treatment, it is possible to regain the ability to express feelings. Learning how to cope with emotions can make a world of difference. The disorder is not an insurmountable condition, and with a little help, it can be healed. And with the right treatment, it is possible to regain your emotional sensitivity and intensity.


Because alexithymia is a psychological disorder, it is often comorbid with other disorders. In Mendelson's 1982 study, for example, it was common for the disorder to occur in the context of undiagnosed chronic pain. In the same study, Kennedy and Franklin found that the condition was also associated with anxiety and borderline personality disorders. Obviously, these comorbidities complicate treatment of alexithymia.