Welcome to the Alexithymia Exchange. Alexithymia is still a
relatively new phenomenon for psychology, having only been described
and coined in the 1970s as a distinct condition. Alexithymia is very
easily overlooked due to these individuals' well developed 'reality
sense' —a function which shows as a strong and practical adaption in
the world of material concerns. Despite this well adapted behaviour,
alexithymic individuals show an essential deficit in the realm of
emotional processes, giving rise to personal and interpersonal
difficulties.
The literal meaning of the word
alexithymia is `no words for feelings', but the definition of alexithymia is more complex than that. Alexithymia is usually regarded as a disturbance in an individual's ability to identify and regulate one's emotions
(Talyor, Bagby and Parker, 1997). The clinical construct alexithymia has
undergone a continuing development for the past years, but according to
recent definitions alexithymia consists of the following salient
features:
- Difficulty identifying bodily sensations of emotional arousal; not knowing one's feelings.
- Difficulties in describing emotions to other people.
- Limited spontaneous imagination; a lack of fantasy.
- A cognitive style oriented to details of the external world.
This site is
firstly designed to be an information and discussion forum for those
with alexithymia, their partners and related family members. Professionals (researchers,
social workers, psychologists, medical workers, students, etc.) are welcome to participate to learn or to share their knowledge. Also,
because public knowledge about alexithymia is rare members are encouraged to
explore their experiences with others in order to gain self-education or coping skills for
better managing personal and interpersonal vicissitudes linked with this condition. Finally, people who
have alexithymia must understand that this site is not aimed to provide
therapy or cure for the condition.
Welcome to the site, and please feel free to start posting.
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