ENG, Alexithymia cause symptom, 감정표현불능증, T1095

Alexithymia cause symptom,  감정표현불능증,

Alexithymia, 발음; uh·lek·suh·thai·mee·uh;

 

 

# Alexithymia EN 7P.docx

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https://psychcentral.com/relationships/alexithymia-in-relationships#causes

Alexithymia in Relationships: Effects and Communication Tips

 

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Alexithymia, also called emotional blindness, is a neuropsychological phenomenon characterized by significant challenges in recognizing, expressing, feeling, sourcing, and describing one's emotions.

 

What causes alexithymia?

The exact causes of alexithymia are not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of factors, including:

-Genetic Factors: Studies have shown that alexithymia can run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

 

-Neurological Factors: Differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas involved in emotional processing, may contribute to alexithymia.

 

-Early Childhood Experiences: Trauma, neglect, or emotional suppression during childhood can disrupt the development of emotional regulation skills, leading to alexithymia.

 

-Psychological Factors: Certain personality traits, such as introversion, anxiety, and depression, may be associated with an increased risk of alexithymia.

 

-Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, and thyroid disease, can also be associated with alexithymia.

 

-Environmental Factors: Socioeconomic stress, cultural norms that discourage emotional expression, and limited access to mental health services can also contribute to the development of alexithymia.

 

It's important to note that alexithymia is a complex condition with multiple potential causes. The specific cause may vary from person to person

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Online Alexithymia Questionnaire | Embrace Autism

 

 

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Alexithymia Test

 

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https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/alexithymia#takeaway

Alexithymia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

 

 

Alexithymia: Difficulty Recognizing and Feeling Emotions

 

11.What is it?  12.Causes,  13.Symptoms,  14.Diagnosis,  15.Treatments,

16.Tips to cope,  17.When to see a doctor,  18.FAQ,  19.Takeaway,

 

Having alexithymia can make it hard for a person to express or identify their emotions. The condition can occur with certain conditions, such as depression, neurological conditions, and brain injury.

 

Alexithymia is a broad term to describe problems with feeling emotions. In fact, this Greek term used in Freudian psychodynamic theories loosely translates to “no words for emotion.” While the condition is not well-known, it’s estimated that 1 in 10 peopleTrusted Source has it.

 

While Freudian theories are largely considered controversial, this condition seems to be increasing in awareness.

 

11. What is alexithymia?

Alexithymia is often seen as a secondary diagnosis in other preexisting mental health conditions and disabilities, including depression and autism.

However, this does not mean that everyone with these conditions has problems expressing with and identifying emotions. In fact, studies show that it only affects a small percentage.

 

People who do have alexithymia may describe themselves as having difficulties with expressing emotions that are deemed socially appropriate, such as happiness on a joyous occasion. Others may have trouble identifying their emotions.

Such individuals don’t necessarily have apathy. They instead may not have as strong of emotions as their peers, and may have difficulties feeling empathy.

 

12. Causes of alexithymia

Alexithymia isn’t well understood. There’s a possibility it may be genetic.

The condition may also be a result of brain damage to the insula. This part of the brain is known for its role in social skills, empathy, and emotions, with some studiesTrusted Source linking insula lesions to apathy and anxiety.

 

The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder are wide-ranging, but there are still some stereotypes associated with this condition. One major stereotype is a lack of empathy, something that has largely been debunked.

At the same time, some research indicates that up to halfTrusted Source of people with autism also experience alexithymia. In other words, it’s alexithymia that causes the lack of empathy, and not autism itself.

 

-Emotions and depression

It’s also possible to experience alexithymia with depression. It has been noted in major depressive and postpartum disorders, as well as schizophrenia. Research indicates that between 32 and 51 percent of people with depressive disorders also have alexithymia.

 

-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.

 

-Other associated conditions

Research also indicates that this condition may be present in certain neurological diseases and injuries. These include:

Alzheimer’s disease,  Dystonia,  Epilepsy,  Huntington’s disease,  multiple sclerosis,

Parkinson’s disease,  Stroke,  traumatic brain injury,

 

13. Symptoms of alexithymia

As a condition marked by lack of feelings, it can be difficult to recognize the symptoms of alexithymia. Since this condition is associated with an inability to express feelings, an affected person might come across as being out of touch or apathetic.

 

However, a person with alexithymia might personally experience the following in social contexts:

Anger,  confusion,  difficulty “reading faces”,  discomfort,  emptiness,

increased heart rate,  lack of affection,  panic,

 

This condition may also make it difficult for a person to interpret body changes as emotional responses. For example, you might have trouble linking a racing heart to excitement or fear, but are still able to acknowledge that you’re experiencing a physiological response in the moment.

 

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14. Diagnosing alexithymia

Alexithymia is diagnosed by a mental health professional. It’s not officially recognized by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

 

Instead, your mental health provider will likely ask you questions and provide a diagnosis based on your answers. You may also be asked to provide a self-reported questionnaire.

 

Another possible test is an MRI performed by a neurologist. This will provide images of the insula in the brain.

There’s no one single test for alexithymia, much like neurological disorders and mental illnesses in general. It can take time to receive the right diagnosis.

 

15. Treatments for alexithymia

To date, there isn’t a single individual treatment for alexithymia. The exact treatment approach depends on your overall health needs. For example, if you have depression or anxiety, taking certain medications for these conditions could also help mental health symptoms.

 

Therapies may also be helpful for this condition. These allow you to participate in exercises to help improve mental health.

 

Possible therapy options include:

-cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

-group therapy

-psychotherapy (also known as “talk therapy”)

 

16. Tips to cope with alexithymia

One possible step towards emotional recognition is to start being mindful of your own physiological responses. Some research has suggested the importance of beginning with your heart rate.

Notice whether your heart rate goes up in certain situations, and explore the possibilities of why this could be. A heart rate monitor or fitness watch can also help. With practice, you may become better able to distinguish anger from excitement and fear, for example.

 

A journal can also help you document your physical responses and emotional patterns.

 

It’s also important to keep in mind that negative emotions are just as important as positive ones. Learning how to identify these emotions and work with them (not against them) can help you lead a more fulfilling life.

 

17. When to see a doctor

Alexithymia can cause frustration for people who experience it, as well as friends and loved ones. If you think you’re having trouble with recognizing or describing feelings, consider talking to a doctor about it. They can help guide you to the right therapy options to help improve on these important life skills.

 

18. FAQ

Can a person with alexithymia cry?

 

It’s possible for some people with alexithymia to cry, though they may cry less often than others and may not understand their own emotional reactions.

 

What are the types of alexithymia?

Researchers have theorized that there are two types of alexithymia: primary and secondary. Primary alexithymia is seen as an innate personality trait, while secondary alexithymia arises as a defense mechanism in response to stress or trauma.

Who is most likely to have alexithymia?

 

Generally, a larger proportion of males experience alexithymia as opposed to females.

The condition is seen to be more prevalent among teens and elderly people than in adults, and is more common among prisoners, people with medical or mental health conditions, and approximately 50% of autistic people.

 

19. The bottom line

Alexithymia isn’t widely known, but this condition has been studied for more than four decadesTrusted Source. It’s presented in individuals who have difficulty recognizing and expressing feelings, and it often coincides with another underlying neurological condition or mental health disorder.

While not inherently dangerous, this condition may inadvertently lead to interpersonal and relationship issues. It may also can impact one’s sense of self or lead to worsening of depression due to the self-perceptions one can generate in light of inability or difficulty accessing emotions.

 

The good news is that there are therapies available that can help you improve on mental health skills. Not only will this help with relationships with others, but more importantly, you may feel better, too.

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How Can Alexithymia Impact Relationships?

https://psychcentral.com/relationships/alexithymia-in-relationships#effects

Alexithymia in Relationships: Effects and Communication Tips

 

 

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What triggers alexithymia?

Alexithymia: Symptoms, diagnosis, and links with mental health,

Examples of environmental factors include a history of childhood trauma, the presence of a physical or mental health condition, or socioeconomic factors.

 

Brain injury.

Research reports that people with injury to a part of the brain known as the anterior insula experience increased levels of alexithymia.

 

Can People with Alexithymia Feel Love?

YES. Despite challenges, your partner with alexithymia can experience love.

However, they may struggle to identify or articulate their feelings, making it hard for their partners to grasp and feel validated by their love. Feb 28, 202

 

Can you fix alexithymia?

While there is currently no cure for alexithymia, treatment options such as talk therapy and medication can help individuals learn how to better identify and express their emotions.

Sep 5, 2023

 

How rare is alexithymia?

Alexithymia is a term to describe problems with feeling emotions. In Greek, it loosely translates to “no words for emotion.” It is estimated that 1 in 10 people has alexithymia, but it is much more common in those with depression and in autistic people. 1 in 5 autistic people have alexithymia.

 

Is alexithymia part of ADHD?

Alexithymia incidence was 41.5% in the ADHD group.

The increase in the levels of impulsiveness, depression and anxiety correlated with the severity of ADHD symptoms; and impulsiveness predicted alexithymia in the ADHD group.