The Effect of Alexithymia on Somatization and Sleep Quality in Patients With Depression

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of alexithymia on sleep quality and tendency to somatization in patients with depression. Methods: Eighty-five patients with depression, who applied to the outpatient unit of psychiatry, were included in the study. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Symptom Interpretation Questionnaire (SIQ), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered to the patients. Results: Depressive patients were divided into two groups: alexithymic patients and non-alexithymic patients. There were significant differences in scores of BDI, psychologizing and somatizing subscale of the SIQ and daytime dysfunction subscale of the PSQI in alexithymic patients. Conclusion: It was found that depressive patients have higher levels of alexithymic features and somatization tendencies in this study. Moreover, alexithymic patients have more frequent psychological and somatic attributions and increased loss of daytime functionality. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2013; 50: 65-69)