I Didn't Know This!

away36 · I Didn't Know This!

I was thinking earlier about how we freqently stumble across information that teaches us something we didn't know, or had never heard of! That happened for me earlier today when I learned of a condition that I'd never heard of, although I'm sure Faith might be able to shed some light on!

It's called....ALEXITHYMIA. I googled the condition and found several articles but opted for a shorter piece for here. It's pretty interesting.

People who suffer with Alexithymia are limited in their ability to experience fantasies or dreams or to think in an imaginative way. Rather, they portray an externally focused way of thinking, relying on facts and specifics. People with alexithymia are often described by others, including their loved ones, as cold and aloof. They severely lack empathetic abilities and have great difficulty in effectively understanding and responding to other people’s feelings.

Alexithymia in individuals is a variable characteristic that can be measured by researchers and psychologists through multiple choice questionnaires or surveys. Each answer has a predetermined score. The total score of the questionnaire is analyzed to indicate the presence or lack of alexithymia in a particular individual. Research that relies on these measurements has shown that those who score high in alexithymia are severely limited in their ability to form and maintain intimate relationships. Lower scores show only difficulty in relationships.

In the past, alexithymia was classified and limited to psychosomatic disorders, which are disorders that involve physical symptoms of the body that are created or exacerbated by the mind. For example, someone who is very angry but does not express his or her anger may develop a stomachache. Alexithymia as a psychosomatic disorder manifests in the form of bodily complaints and symptoms of an individual who can not effectively express emotion. However, research has revealed that alexithymia can be present in individuals who do not suffer from psychosomatic disorders or physical complaints.

There are two types of alexithymia, state and trait alexithymia. State alexithymia has a specific cause and is usually a temporary condition. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), caused by experiencing a horrific event, is one example that is known to trigger state alexithymia. Trait alexithymia is thought to be a characteristic inherent in one's personality. This type can be inborn or caused by events that occur in one’s early childhood, such as abuse or neglect from a primary caregiver.

Lion

Nancy, very interesting.....I have never heard of this diagnosis!!!

Taffi Abernathy

I have had clients with alexithymia and I'm sure, as a special ed teacher, you have had students with this condition since it often co-exists with Asperger's. (You have undoubtedly worked with students who have been unable to identify what they were feeling, and perhaps you didn't know to put that together with its label. (BTW, these conditions are not in the DSM). Alexithymia also frequently co-exists with a history of substance abuse. Think of it this way, many individuals abuse drugs as a means of medicating themselves from painful feelings. With a protracted history of chemical abuse and covering feelings, clients in the recovery process sometimes have significant difficulty identifying, let alone discussing, what they are feeling. Part of the therapy entails helping the client draw associations (explain how unpleasant, painful feelings lead to substance abuse), then helping clients to identify and put a label to feelings. It is a painstaking process that involves considerable redundancy. Some think that alexythymia is due to damage in the brain (particularly in the cortex), some say it's due to psychological trauma and is a form of repression (who's to say that brain damage and psychological trauma are antithetical concepts?), and I've also read where some believe it is part of the male sex-role concept. Males begin life as emotional as, if not more emotional than, females. By three years of age, little boys learn to repress their feelings, and as you're aware, alexithymia is way more prevalent in males, so there's likely a cultural component as well. The ability to accurately identify your feelings is a major part of social intelligence, and when this is lacking, there's serious implications. I don't know if I've added to your confusion? I will search for some literature and if you PM your address, I'll send it North. (Nothing like a little light reading for a Monday night.)

away36

Taffi Abernathy

My Dear Nancy,

You are a sentient person who is able to identify and communicate her feelings. Many people have the capacity, most notably in a crisis, to move forward and take care of business, only to experience the effects of the trauma or tragedy at a later time. No reason to feel like an outcast because you are likely describing an initial state of denial. This coping mechanisn shields and protects you from feeling the full effects of an incident, allowing you to function and do what you need to do at the time. The nature of defense mechanisms is that they are automatic, meaning we have no conscious control over them. Feelings typically catch up at a later time, after you've done what you need to and that's when the full effects of the trauma are typically felt. Trust me when I tell you that you do not have alexithymia - I say this with 110% confidence!

Taffi Abernathy

I had more info in my post above but removed it. Suffice it to say that sometimes people displace feelings they find difficult and/or unacceptable onto more innocuous situations and people in the environment, although they are unaware of doing so. I knew a man whose close relative had died and he prided himself on "keeping it together," while sobbing uncontrollably while listening to certain classical pieces of music. For him, the music provided a safe outlet to express his more intense emotions The overriding message I want to convey is that as humans all of us use defense mechanisms as they cushion the proverbial blow of a sometimes harsh reality. As I've stated in an earlier post, my sarcasm is often used as a defense against people seeing "my softer side." And perhaps it is for you, Nancy, that animals and beautiful sunsets are your safe havens. We all have them. I laugh as I write this, since I know all too well that someone with alexithymia would not possess the self-awareness os his or her feelings to raise the concerns you have. Relax, we love you as you are.

away36

Taffi Abernathy

jdc

can someone help me out, I keep getting PM's from a young lady who seems to be at the opposite end of the spectrum. She expresses her feelings in all sorts of situations, which is very embarassing, has no dress sense and has a change of identity every few weeks. Presently she is parading as a one eyed monster. Is there any therapy for Bitsymania?

away36

away36

Taffi Abernathy

My Dear Boy,

I beg to differ: Your paramour, Bitsy, isn't at the other end of the spectrum, he's completely off the spectrum (and off the proverbial hook). Who am I to comment on another's love interest? He's tugged at your heart strings and you must follow - this is the power of love.

away36

BigBird

Lisa

Lion

Lisa

Lion

uncle aj

away36

uncle aj

Lion

uncle aj

Lion

Yea, and if you believe that one I've got a bridge for sale!!!

uncle aj