Alexithymia is a term that comes from the Greek "a" (lack of) + "lexis" (word) + "thymos" (emotion), and refers to the inability to verbally express feelings. emotions. In the psychological context, alexithymia is considered a disorder that makes it difficult to identify and communicate one's own feelings, as well as understand the emotions experienced by others. This condition can manifest itself in various ways and have a significant impact on the emotional and social life of those who suffer from it.
The subtypes of alexithymia
There are different subtypes of alexithymia that have been identified throughout psychology research. The most common is the cognitive subtype, which is characterized by difficulty identifying and describing one's own emotions. People with this subtype of alexithymia often have trouble recognizing internal sensations, such as whether they feel sad, happy, or frustrated. Likewise, it is difficult for them to put into words what they are experiencing emotionally at a given moment.
The affective subtype
Another subtype of alexithymia is the affective subtype, which refers to the difficulty in experiencing emotions intensely or distinguishing between different affective states. People with this type of alexithymia may have a limited emotional range, showing a less intense reaction to situations that would normally trigger an emotional response. In addition, they tend to confuse similar emotions or have difficulty differentiating between emotions such as sadness and frustration.
The behavioral subtype
Finally, the behavioral subtype of alexithymia is related to the difficulty expressing emotions through verbal or non-verbal communication. People with this subtype may have trouble showing affection, empathy, or any other feelings through gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, or other nonverbal cues. This can lead to misunderstandings in interpersonal relationships and make it difficult to connect emotionally with others.
The causes of alexithymia
Alexithymia can have various causes, both genetic and environmental. Some research suggests that certain biological factors, such as abnormalities in neural connections or imbalances in brain chemicals, may contribute to the development of this condition. Likewise, a correlation has been observed between alexithymia and disorders such as autism, depression and anxiety.
The influence of childhood
The family environment and childhood experiences They may also play a crucial role in the development of alexithymia. Children who grow up in an environment where emotional expressions are repressed or are not taught to identify and manage their feelings may be at greater risk of developing emotional difficulties in adulthood, including alexithymia. The lack of positive models of emotional communication in the family can influence an individual's ability to express their emotions appropriately.
The effects of alexithymia
Alexithymia can have significant consequences in the daily lives of those who experience it. Difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions can interfere with building satisfactory personal relationships, since emotional communication is an essential component of interpersonal connection. People with alexithymia may be perceived as distant, cold, or insensitive due to their lack of emotional expressiveness.
Impact on mental health
In addition, alexithymia has been linked to greater risk of suffering psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. The inability to adequately process emotions and seek emotional support can perpetuate emotional distress and make recovery from traumatic events difficult. Likewise, alexithymia has been associated with an increased risk of somatization, that is, the manifestation of physical symptoms without an identifiable medical cause, which can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental health conditions.
Treatment of alexithymia
Although alexithymia can present significant challenges, there are treatment strategies that can help people develop greater emotional awareness and improve their ability to express their feelings. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example, has proven to be effective in the treatment of alexithymia by working on the identification and expression of emotions through specific techniques.
Emotional education
In addition, emotional education can play a fundamental role in addressing alexithymia, as it helps people identify and understand their emotions, as well as develop skills to communicate them effectively. Learning to recognize the physical and cognitive cues associated with different emotions, practicing emotional expression in a safe environment, and receiving positive feedback can be important steps on the path to greater emotional intelligence.
Conclusions
In summary, alexithymia is a disorder that makes it difficult to identify and express emotions, which can have a significant impact on the emotional and social life of those who suffer from it. Knowing the subtypes of alexithymia, its possible causes and effects, as well as the available treatment strategies, can contribute to a greater understanding of this condition and the promotion of emotional health in society.