Alexithymia and Addiction

Abstract

Alexithymia was first described by Sifneos [1] as difficulty identifying and communicating feelings, differentiating feelings and somatic sensations of emotional arousal, a diminution of fantasy and imagination and an externally oriented cognitive style [2]. Studies have found that alexithymia is present across 18 different ethnic and racial groups [3]. Alexithymia is seen in around 6 and 10% in the general population [4-5]. However, when compared to non-addicted individuals, those with substance-use disorders more frequently exhibit alexithymia [6]. In patients with alcohol-use disorders percentages typically range from 45 to 67% [7]. Alexithymia can also be seen in people with a family history of alcoholism [8]. Some evidence suggests that alexithymia may have an adverse impact on the treatment of alcohol use disorders [9,10] and given the substantial cost of such disorders worldwide [11] this relationship warrants closer attention. Alexithymia is also commonly found in patients who are undergoing treatment for another drug abuse [12].