Alexithymia in food-allergic versus healthy children and young adults.
Alexithymia is a multifaceted personality construct associated with several medical illnesses. However, no studies have focused on food allergy. We investigated alexithymia among food-allergic youths, compared to a matched healthy sample. A total of 220 participants aged 9-25 years were assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children. Food-allergic patients reported higher levels of alexithymia compared to a matched healthy sample. Furthermore, an association between alexithymia and a clinical history of anaphylaxis was found among patients. Some possible hypotheses have been discussed considering physiological, psychological, developmental, and cognitive/behavioral factors.
1 Padua University Hospital, Italy.
Laura
L
Polloni
2 University of Padua, Italy.
Dario
D
Gregori
2 University of Padua, Italy.
Emilia
E
Ferruzza
2 University of Padua, Italy.
Cristina
C
Oricoli
1 Padua University Hospital, Italy.
Francesca
F
Lazzarotto
1 Padua University Hospital, Italy.
Roberta
R
Bonaguro
1 Padua University Hospital, Italy.
Alice
A
Toniolo
1 Padua University Hospital, Italy.
Nicolò
N
Celegato
1 Padua University Hospital, Italy.
Antonella
A
Muraro
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Toronto Alexithymia Scale; adolescents; alexithymia; anaphylaxis; children; emotions; food allergy