A preliminary investigation of alexithymia in men with psychoactive substance dependence
Article Abstract:
Alexithymia is the term used for a disturbance in emotional processing which results in difficulty identifying and verbalizing feelings, and in elaborating fantasies. Also characteristic of this condition is the tendency to be exclusively aware of the physical sensations of emotional arousal. These features have been reported among patients with classical psychosomatic disorders, as well as in patients with psychoactive substance use disorders. The latter patients are thought to be medicating themselves against these overwhelming experiences. This study was done to further investigate the relationship between alexithymia and substance abuse. The study group consisted of 44 men who voluntarily admitted themselves to an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment program. After various screening tests and inventories; half were considered alexithymic and half of the patients were nonalexithymic. The alexithymic patients were significantly more anxious and depressed than the nonalexithymic patients, and complained of more physical symptoms and general psychological distress. The nonalexithymic patients rated significantly higher on ego strength and use of repressive defense mechanisms, and were significantly less socially introverted. The finding that 50 percent of these men were alexithymic is considered high, compared with 15.4 percent alexithymics in a normal male study group, and 35.1 percent in a group of male psychiatric outpatients. Alexithymia is considered by most researchers to be a risk factor for substance abuse, rather than an effect of substance use and withdrawal. Affected individuals may use drugs and alcohol to compensate for defects in emotion and drive regulation. More research is needed to further understand the relationship between alexithymia, substance abuse, and other psychopathology. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Psychiatry
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0002-953X
Year: 1990
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''To take arms against a sea of troubles.''
Article Abstract:
The ''Handbook of Alcoholism Treatment Approaches: Effective Alternatives'' (1989) by Reid K. Hester and William R. Miller (Eds.) provides an up-to-date practice-oriented text for clinicians who treat alcoholics or patients with alcohol-related problems. The book's focus is on tailoring treatment approaches toward a client's individual needs rather than basing treatment on the traditional medical model, which views alcoholism as a disease and total abstinence as the only cure. Research findings are described which validate other effective treatment alternatives. Eleven models explaining the etiology and nature of alcoholism are described in a historical context, including the moral, disease, temperance and social learning hypotheses. Several chapters are devoted to pretreatment evaluation and follow-up assessment techniques. Evaluation of client motivation and an analysis of instruments and techniques available for assessment are also discussed in detail. Specific treatment approaches are clarified, and environmental problems associated with abusive drinking are also described. Self-help groups, marital and family therapy modalities, cognitive and behavioral interventions, stress management training, medications used during detoxification and rehabilitation, and community reinforcement approaches are discussed, and guidelines for matching clients to particular treatments are suggested. This is a valuable resource book. However, it is hoped that future editions will include a discussion of gender, minority subgroups, and the social and economic factors which can influence proposed treatment procedures. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Contemporary Psychology
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0010-7549
Year: 1990
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Alexithymia: past and present
Article Abstract:
Alexithymia is a psychosomatic disorder characterized by a striking absence of fantasies and a marked difficulty in expression of emotions. The term was introduced in 1972 and in the same year, the Ciba Research Foundation sponsored a symposium to investigate the role played by emotion in the etiology of psychosomatic illnesses. In 1976 the 11th European Conference on Psychosomatic Research established the role played by alexithymia in psychosomatic disorders. Further understanding on alexithymia has been achieved during the following 19 years.
Publication Name: American Journal of Psychiatry
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0002-953X
Year: 1996
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