Prevalence and correlates of alexithymia in older persons with medically (un)explained physical symptoms.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Much is unknown about the combination of Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) and alexithymia in later life, but it may culminate in a high disease burden for older patients. In the present study we assess the prevalence of alexithymia in older patients with either MUS or Medically Explained Symptoms (MES) and we explore physical, psychological and social correlates of alexithymia.

Methods and design

A case control study was performed. We recruited older persons (>60 years) with MUS (N = 118) or MES (N = 154) from the general public, general practitioner clinics and hospitals. Alexithymia was measured by the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, correlates were measured by various questionnaires.

Results

Prevalence and severity of alexithymia were higher among

SUBMITTER: Bos P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9325002 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature