The predictive value of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale among patients with asthma.
OBJECTIVE
The present study examines how alexithymia, self-report of symptoms, and pulmonary function are related to each other among a sample of patients with asthma. The goal was to extend previous research showing that alexithymia may complicate treatment of asthma.


METHODS
Seventy-four participants with asthma completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Asthma Symptom Checklist (ASC), Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS), and spirometry testing.


RESULTS
The "Difficulty identifying feelings" subscale (IDE) of the TAS was associated with increased report of emotional symptoms (panic-fear) as well as physical symptoms (fatigue) during the past week, but not pulmonary function on the day of testing. This relationship appeared to be influenced by trait anxiety. The "Difficulty communicating feelings" subscale (COM) was correlated with decreased pulmonary function, but not report of emotional or physical sensations experienced during the prior week. The "Externally oriented thinking" subscale (EOT) was not related to any of the dependent measures.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that alexithymia may complicate optimal management of asthma and this relationship is best studied by examining the subscales of the TAS separately.
Feldman
Jonathan M
JM
Department of Psychology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA.
Lehrer
Paul M
PM
Hochron
Stuart M
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000150:complications*; D001249:Asthma / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome