2023-08-24 11:48:02
Some people don’t understand how they feel, no matter how hard they try to listen to themselves.
It is also difficult for them to show emotions or talk regarding them to others. This often leads to problems in communication, because such people come across as callous or superficial. All this can be a manifestation of alexithymia. We talk regarding what it is in the 60-th edition of the guide to the psyche.
What is alexithymia
It is usually easy for people to identify their emotions and understand their cause. For example, cruelty to animals often causes anger, and missing a deadline for a week often causes irritation due to the non-obligation of a colleague. People with alexithymia can also experience these feelings, but they are not able to fix them, realize them and tell others regarding them.
If you ask them to describe their emotions, at best they will be able to answer: “I feel good” or “I feel bad”, “I am happy” or “I am unhappy” – but without details or specifics.
Another problem that people with alexithymia often face is that in relationships with others they are usually cold and indifferent. In addition, it can be difficult for them to recognize non-verbal cues when communicating. Therefore, often they are unable to establish and maintain really close ties.
In 1973, he noticed common features in some of his patients: difficulty identifying feelings; the tendency to pay attention to the events taking place around, and not to their own inner experiences; limited imagination. The combination of these traits Sifneos called alexithymia.
It is important to bear in mind that alexithymia does not belong to mental disorders and is not a symptom of them – it is usually considered a neuropsychological phenomenon.
Signs of alexithymia
Difficulty identifying feelings. Problems with introspection or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes. Externally oriented thinking. This is the tendency to explain one’s state through external factors – events or circumstances – and also to avoid trying to understand internal experiences and emotions. Difficulties with describing feelings. Alexithymia also prevents people from identifying and responding to the emotions of others. For example, it can be difficult to recognize when a person is angry, which can lead to conflict. Limited imagination. The thinking style does not take into account emotions, does not rely on fantasy, and people with alexithymia use imagination much less often than others.
Causes of alexithymia
The exact cause of alexithymia has not been established. But scientists suggest that it can develop under the influence of several factors.
Genetics. In 2007 a group of scientists from Denmark analyzed 8785 pairs of twinsto understand the role of environment and genetics in the manifestation of alexithymia. The results were impressive: genetic traits markedly influence all aspects of alexithymia. For example, they are associated with difficulties in describing and identifying emotions, as well as outwardly oriented thinking. In addition, a person’s risk of developing alexithymia is higher if a close relative has it.
Studies show that alexithymia is associated with damage to the insula – the area is highlighted in pink. The stronger the damage, the more pronounced alexithymia. Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
How is alexithymia recognized?
The questionnaire consists of 20 questions. Each answer is ranked on a 5-point scale from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. The total score ranges from 20 to 100.
A score of 61 or more is considered diagnostic of alexithymia; 52 to 60 indicates possible alexithymia; 51 or less indicates no alexithymia.
In addition to the total score, it is possible to separately calculate how specific signs of alexithymia are expressed in a person: difficulties in identifying emotions and describing them, outwardly oriented thinking. This will make it clear which one prevails.
How common is alexithymia?
According to some reports, signs regarding 8% of men and no more than 2% of women have alexithymia. The difference is explained by the peculiarities of gender socialization. In patriarchal societies, men are taught to hide and suppress their emotions, as a result – difficulties in understanding their own emotions and building trusting relationships.
Is it possible to get rid of alexithymia
The treatment strategy is determined for each person with alexithymia individually. It usually combines several methods in different combinations. The main ones are:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. With the help of a doctor, a person learns to observe his own thoughts and emotions. For example, why do some want to avoid, others – not to feel at all. The task of the doctor is to help develop the skills of emotional awareness. Group therapy. Participation in group therapy sessions can provide support and a sense of belonging. Sharing experiences and behavioral strategies with others can help manage alexithymia. Mindfulness development and meditation. The main goal is to develop awareness of bodily sensations and emotions. Such therapy helps people become more open-minded and attuned to their inner experiences, better understand their feelings and their cause. Diary of emotions. With its help, a person can learn to better recognize emotions – this is also confirmed by research. At first, keeping a diary can be difficult: thoughts do not fit on paper, and feelings cannot be recognized. But over time, this passes, because the goal is to better understand your own experiences. Reading fiction. Novels show a ready-made language for describing emotions, feelings and experiences. Research showsthat reading novels is a sure way to learn the skills of storytelling or personal storytelling, which will help people with alexithymia.
How to communicate with people with alexithymia
Eat several ways (website available with VPN) that can help you communicate with people with alexithymia.
Speak your feelings. Try to be direct regarding how you feel. This reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings. For example, say dissatisfaction or something else if you don’t like it. Relying on emotions and hints in this case is not worth it.
Help them interpret feelings. A person may have trouble identifying or describing what they are feeling at a particular moment. Share what you see: whether the person seems annoyed or, on the contrary, inspired.
Consider physical condition. Lack of sleep, fatigue or a cold can affect your emotional state. A person with alexithymia may become irritable from fatigue, but may not be able to recognize it. In this case, invite him to rest – and postpone the discussion of important issues until later.
Knowledge regarding psychology and brain function that will help you survive in this crazy world is in our telegram channel. Subscribe to stay up to date: @t_dopamine
1692931834
#people #emotions