Emotional Inconstancy: A Characteristic of Personality Structure
In the realm of human psychology, a lesser-known yet significant trait is alexithymia. This condition, not classified as a mental disorder in the DSM-5, shares some similarities with autism spectrum disorders and certain personality disorders.
At its core, alexithymia involves difficulty in identifying and describing emotions. This can manifest in various ways, such as an inability to verbalize feelings, a difficulty distinguishing somatic feelings, and concrete ways of thinking. Alexithymia may also lead to emotional detachment, increasing loneliness, even in the presence of marriage and children.
One of the key factors associated with alexithymia is serotonin, a neurotransmitter contributing to feelings of happiness, well-being, reward, learning, and memory. Research suggests that imbalances in serotonin levels might be a factor in the symptoms of alexithymia.
Symptoms of alexithymia can be far-reaching, including difficulty showing empathy, few dreams, chronic outbursts of crying or rage, confusion when asked about emotional responses, and appearing unaffected by daily stress. Individuals with alexithymia may also struggle with relationships, reacting poorly to others' emotions.
The cause of alexithymia is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of environmental, genetic, neurobiological, and psychological factors. Early childhood experiences, traumatic events, dysfunctional attachment to caregivers, and possible neurobiological irregularities in emotion processing and regulation could all play a role.
Traditional psychotherapy may not be effective for alexithymia, as emotional retraining or rewiring in the brain is often required for treatment. Instead, methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, medication, mindfulness techniques, emotional intelligence, group therapy, creative arts techniques, and journaling may be more beneficial.
It is important to note that treatment outcomes can vary greatly depending on the severity of the alexithymia and the individual's willingness to engage in therapy. For instance, in the case of an individual named Dave, his alexithymia may have impacted his ability to progress in counseling, making it difficult for him to fully engage and benefit from therapy.
Alexithymia is also often associated with other disorders such as OCD, panic disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, social anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. In Dave's case, his alexithymia may have contributed to his emotional flooding during traumatic recollections and his flat affect when recounting events.
Approximately 10% of the population may have alexithymia in varying severities, although some studies suggest it is a smaller percentage. Despite its prevalence, awareness and understanding of alexithymia continue to grow, thanks in part to psychoeducation for individuals with alexithymia and their families. This education can help improve understanding and relationships, making it easier for those with alexithymia to navigate their emotional lives and seek the help they need.
