Study on alexithymia in adult non-patients.
OBJECTIVE
We tested the purported complex relationships between alexithymia and somatization, depression, borderline pathology and general health.


METHODS
A total of 139 medical students and 84 members of nursing personnel completed questionnaires.


RESULTS
Thirteen (6%) alexithymic participants indicated more depression and borderline pathology and worse mental health. Path analysis confirmed a significant positive effect of borderline pathology and a significant negative effect of mental health on alexithymia but did not reveal any effects of somatization and depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Presence of borderline pathology may indicate higher probability of alexithymia.
Modestin
Jiri
J
Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8029 Zurich, Switzerland. modestin@bli.unizh.ch
Furrer
Roman
R
Malti
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000523:psychology*