Emotions, Alexithymia, and Emotion Regulation in Patients With Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic dermatological condition that is frequently associated with problematic patterns of emotional reactivity (the way in which patients react to stimuli), alexithymia (their ability to recognize and label the emotional reaction), and emotion regulation (the ability to enhance or reduce their own emotional reaction). A research in the peer-reviewed scientific literature was conducted in order to identify articles describing the association of psoriasis and affective problems. In particular, we first evaluate studies that have investigated abnormal emotional reactivity (in terms of duration, frequency, or type of the experienced emotions) and its impact on patients' quality of life; next, we review the role of alexithymia and emotion regulation in modulating the relationship between emotional reactivity and quality of life in this population. From a critical analysis of the reviewed studies, we highlight that altered emotional processing might be particularly important in the characterization of this condition. In particular, we show that this condition is related to an emotional reactivity characterized by negative emotions that have a stronger impact on patients' quality of life when emotion regulation abilities are weak, especially if patients have alexithymia. Finally, we present suggestions for future directions in both clinical and research fields.

Measuring Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers to Medication Adherence in Potential Bariatric Surgery Patients

“…Patients with alexithymia are characterized by difficulties in distinguishing feelings from bodily sensations which, in turn, may alter their comprehension of the medications' therapeutic Abbreviation: BMI, body mass index; BES, Binge Eating Scale; GSI-9-K, global severity index of the Symptom Checklist-K-9; TAS-20, Toronto Alexithymia Scale role, thereby, affecting adherence. Moreover, since the ability to identify emotions strengthens the adaptive capacity of coping [47], the alexithymic lack of emotional awareness may undermine effective regulation and control over one's life [19]. Thus, for individuals with alexithymia, following healthy eating rules and prescription regimens may be challenging.…”

Псориаз, Ассоциированный С Психическими Расстройствами: Обзор Литературы

“…Эти пациенты демонстрируют более высокий уровень соматизации, межличностной чувствительности, тревожности и фобической тревожности по сравнению с пациентами, не страдающими алекситимией. Повышенная распространенность алекситимии у пациентов с псориазом может привести к недооценке депрессии и суицидальности [29,31,32].…”

“…Возможной причиной высокой распространенности депрессии у пациентов с псориазом при анализе самооценки может быть чрезмерный акцент на внешности. Также пациенты с ранним началом псориаза были значительно более депрессивными и тревожными, чем пациенты с поздним началом [2,32,51].…”

Evaluating the Components of Alexithymia in Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

“…13 There was no significant change in the overall score which indicates that alexithymia is a fixed trait. 14 Roh et al found a correlation between alexithymia and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Differences between these two groups in alexithymia scale were significant.…”