Signs Of Alexithymia

Simply put, alexithymia is a disorder where the individual struggles to name their emotions. When asked to describe their feelings, they cannot. As a result, they struggle with interpersonal relationships as well as forming social attachments. There are two different types of alexithymia: state and trait. State alexithymia is a temporary condition and can be triggered by something like post-traumatic stress disorder. Trait alexithymia, however, is believed to be part of the individual's personality and can sometimes be the result of a traumatic childhood. This condition is more prevalent than many individuals realize, with some studies estimating up to ten percent of the population having it. Several key symptoms present themselves in individuals with alexithymia.

Difficulty Identifying Feelings

One of the most challenging things for someone with alexithymia is their inability to understand their emotions or what caused them in the first place. Someone with alexithymia may not understand the difference between what happens when they experience a strong emotion and what happens when their body experiences emotional arousal. When the body enters a state of emotional arousal, there is higher than usual physiological activity. An example of this would be the flight or fight response, which an individual with alexithymia may not be able to extinguish from their feelings. Writing in a journal is considered the most effective way for patients with this condition to slowly learn how to identify how they feel. This only works if the patient can go beyond listing the daily events and really try to analyze the overall experience.

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Difficulty Describing Feelings To Others

Knowing someone with this condition may sometimes cause frustration. Although it seems like they are being deliberately difficult, an individual with alexithymia genuinely has great difficulty describing feelings to others. This can be just as exhausting for them as it is for others around them. At the same time, they also have a tough time understanding other people's emotions. Reading facial cues is a challenge. Sometimes, an individual with alexithymia can be prone to outbursts of either anger or crying. Although this may on the surface look like them getting in touch with their feelings, they often have no idea how to describe what made them react in that way.

Keep reading to reveal more symptoms of alexithymia.

Lack Of Impulse Control

Research has shown having an inability to identify and express emotions can be directly related to a lack of impulse control. Due to the fact individuals with alexithymia cannot properly identify their feelings, they have a difficult time processing them healthily. Acting out impulsively serves to get rid of the distress quickly. The fact this relief will be short-lived is not relevant to them. There is less inhibition in general for those who score high on alexithymia tests. Emerging research is exhibiting a strong correlation between alexithymia, Parkinson's disease, and impulsive-compulsive disorders. By looking at this connection, doctors will be better able to better anticipate which patients are at risk for pathological addictive behaviors.

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Heightened Sensitivity To Touch/Sights/Sounds

Another major sign someone has alexithymia is when they have heightened sensitivity to touch, sights, and sounds. Individuals with this condition are often particularly hypersensitive to physical touch. In many ways, alexithymia and autism can appear the same. There can be significant overlap in the conditions as well. Just like individuals who are on the autism spectrum, those with alexithymia can get overwhelmed by loud sounds or very bright or busy lights. They often also do not like to be touched, especially when they are not expecting it. The overwhelming touch, sights, or sounds can make individuals with alexithymia feel uncomfortable, and sometimes even angry.

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Indifference Towards Others

When an individual can never fully trust how they feel, forming committed relationships can be challenging. Knowing and understanding both one's own emotions, as well as those of the individuals being interacted with, is essential to forming deep and meaningful relationships. When this is lacking, patients with alexithymia can show indifference towards others. They often have a 'take them or leave them' attitude towards individuals you would assume would be quite important to them. Alexithymia makes it nearly impossible to understand and then care about the emotional well-being of others, meaning a mutually beneficial relationship is unlikely to form. The indifference towards others can be directly linked to having a low level of empathy.