The association between alexithymia, somatic symptoms, and psychological support attitudes in consultation-liaison psychiatry patients

Abstract

Alexithymia, characterized by a diminished capacity to recognize and express emotions, may lead individuals to misinterpret emotional distress as physical symptoms, thereby influencing their patterns of seeking medical care. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia, perception of somatic symptoms, and attitudes toward seeking psychological help in consultation-liaison psychiatry patients. The sample consisted of 50 patients who initially presented to non-psychiatric medical departments and were subsequently referred to psychiatry due to suspected comorbid psychiatric conditions. Participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SAS), the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPHS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Alexithymia was detected in 20% of the referred patients. Among alexithymic participants, a statistically significant positive association was observed between scores on the HADS Anxiety Subscale and the ATSPPHS (p = 0.005). Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between HADS Depression Subscale scores and SAS scores (p = 0.023). Understanding the interplay between alexithymia and the expression of emotional and physical symptoms is of critical importance for medical professionals. Recognizing and addressing the emotional dimensions of health may enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve patient outcomes, and promote a more holistic, patient-centered approach to care.