Alexithymia and Anxiety in Female Chronic Pain Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Feryal Cam Celikel, Omer Saatcioglu
Primary Institution: Gaziosmanpasa University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study investigates the prevalence of alexithymia and anxiety levels among female patients with chronic pain disorder.
Conclusion
Chronic pain patients were found to be significantly more alexithymic than healthy controls, but no significant correlation was found between alexithymia and trait anxiety.
Supporting Evidence
- 56.7% of chronic pain patients were found to be alexithymic.
- The mean TAS-26 score for the alexithymic group was significantly higher than that of the nonalexithymic group.
- There was a positive correlation between TAS-26 scores and the duration of pain.
Takeaway
Women with chronic pain often have trouble expressing their feelings, which can make their pain feel worse, but this doesn't necessarily mean they feel more anxious.
Methodology
The study included 30 female chronic pain patients and 37 healthy controls, using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess levels of alexithymia and anxiety.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits conclusions about the direction of causality between alexithymia and pain.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of patients was 34.63 years, and they were matched with healthy controls for age and education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website