Alexithymia, often referred to as “death of emotions”, “the disease that prevents falling in love” or “the impossibility of expressing what one feels”. It is the inability to perform or correspond actions with emotions. Although it is not a well-known condition, it is estimated that up to 13% of the population could suffer from it.
People with alexithymia disease have difficulty falling in love
According to the medical portal Hello DoctorLexithymia is a term used to describe problems with emotions. With Greek roots, the word could be translated as “inability to express feelings” or “no words for emotion”.
For a long time was considered a secondary diagnosis in other pre-existing mental health conditions and disabilities, such as depression or autism spectrum disorders
People with alexithymia often report that they have difficulties expressing emotions that are considered socially appropriate, such as happiness on a joyful occasion. Because of this inability to Express feelingsthose who suffer from this condition may appear disconnected or apathetic with the environment.
SYMPTOM
It can be difficult to recognize the symptoms of alexithymia, as it is a condition or disease characterized by the lack of feelings or not being able to fall in love. However, in social contexts the following attitudes can be shown: confusion, anger, discomfort, trouble understanding gesturesfeeling of emptiness, panic, and even increased heart rate.
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Alexithymia can also make it difficult for the person to interpret or understand certain bodily changes as emotional responses. For example, you may have trouble relating a racing heart or sweating to excitement or fear.
Causes of alexithymia
Currently, researchers do not know the exact cause of alexithymia. Various studies suggest that has a genetic component, environmental factors, or brain damage. As well men are more likely older, with low educational level or low emotional intelligence.
Link to autism
A stereotype, one could say historical, related to the autistic spectrum, is the lack of empathy, something that has been discredited over time. Recent research indicates that up to half of people with autism also experience alexithymia. So this could be the cause of the lack of empathy and not autism itself.
Alexithymia and depression
It is also possible to experience alexithymia along with depression. The researchers cannot guarantee that it is a causal relationshipalthough they have observed a high incidence of this condition in people with postpartum and major depressive disorders, as well as schizophrenia.
traumas
Alexithymia has also been noted notably in people who experienced trauma, especially during childhood. Experts believe that trauma and neglect at this stage can cause changes in the brain that can make it difficult to feel and identify emotions as adults.
Alexithymia can be present together with other diseases and neurological injuries, such as dystonia, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease. As well as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or traumatic brain injury.
Till the date, There is no single individual treatment for alexithymia disease, and the practices used will depend on general health needs. For example, for depression or anxiety, taking certain medications would help with emotional health symptoms. You can also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy or psychotherapy.
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