The Characteristics of Alexithymia in Japanese Patients with Eating Disorders

Abstract

Objectives : Alexithymia in patients with eating disorders has been discussed since the first report by Dr. Bruch. However, few Japanese studies have been done on the relationships between alexithymia and eating disorders. Methods : Sixty-eight female patients with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa-restricting type; n=28, anorexia nervosa-binge-eating/purging type : n=25, bulimia nervosa-purging type; n=15) according to the DSM-IV and 236 controls (female college students) completed the Japanese version of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Japanese version of the Eating Attitude Test-26. Results : No significant difference in total TAS-20 score was found among the subgroups of patients with eating disorders. However, the patient subgroups as a whole had a significantly higher total TAS-20 score than the control group. Notably, the "difficulty in identifying feelings" subscale of the TAS-20 was significantly related to the severity of the symptoms of the patients with eating disorders. Conclusion : Consideration should be given to the possibility of alexithymia when treating patients with eating disorders.