Sexual Experiences, Exaggeration of Physical Senses and Alexithymia in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

Aim: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic illness associated with physical discomfort. Evaluation of the accompanying mental illnesses and adding them to the treatment process will contribute positively to the healing process of the patients. Our study sought to add to the body of literature concerning mental health issues in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis. Material and Methods: The research was a cross-sectional and observational study and a total of 54 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and 51 healthy controls were included in the study. The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Physical Senses Exaggeration Scale were administered to the participants. Results: When comparing the scale scores between the patient and control groups, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale total score (p= 0.002), Exaggeration of Physical Senses Scale total score (p= 0.006), Toronto Alexithymia Scale total score (p