Alexithymia in food-allergic versus healthy children and young adults

Abstract

Alexithymia is a multifaceted personality construct associated with several medical illnesses. However, no studies have focused on food allergy. We investigated alexithymia among food-allergic youths, compared to a matched healthy sample. A total of 220 participants aged 9-25 years were assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children. Food-allergic patients reported higher levels of alexithymia compared to a matched healthy sample. Furthermore, an association between alexithymia and a clinical history of anaphylaxis was found among patients. Some possible hypotheses have been discussed considering physiological, psychological, developmental, and cognitive/behavioral factors.

Coping strategies, alexithymia and anxiety in young patients with food allergy

“…If we consider also borderline alexithymia, we reach the 47% of the sample. Results are in line with our previous study , which showed a significant difference in the frequency of non‐alexithymic individuals comparing food‐allergic patients with matched controls. Healthy participants reported a prevalence of 10% for alexithymia and 28% for borderline alexithymia.…”

“…Alexithymia has been associated with an expanding range of somatic pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease, myocardial infarction, chronic respiratory diseases, dermatologic conditions, chronic pain, neuromuscular disorders, diabetes and food allergy (). It has been found to increase unhealthy behaviours and susceptibility to organic diseases notably immune‐mediated disorders via physiological, behavioural, cognitive or social pathways from childhood leading to adverse outcomes in adulthood .…”

“…With regard to personality characteristics, we previously found that young people with food allergy reported higher levels of alexithymia compared with a matched healthy sample. Alexithymia was found to be associated with previous anaphylaxis among patients .…”

“…The real fear factor of life‐threatening reactions, together with the need for constant vigilance and the implications for daily routines and social activities, affects patients' quality of life and psychological well‐being. In recent years, an increasing number of HRQL studies provide insight into the everyday food allergy experience and which issues need to be addressed during consultations . However, little is known about psychological characteristics and how they might impact outcomes among these patients.…”

Food allergy and attitudes to close interpersonal relationships: An exploratory study on attachment

“…Withdrawal and cold/distant social functioning described in AAv have been linked to alexithymia (a multifaceted personality construct described as “a lack of words to express emotions”) . This is consistent with our previous studies finding higher levels of alexithymia in youth with food allergy …”