the relation between the dimensions of alexithymia with depression and anxiety in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders

aim and background: alexithymia or emotional inhibition is an important risk factor for psychosomatic disorders such as gastrointestinal disorders. the aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the dimensions of alexithymia with depression and anxiety in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (fgid). methods and materials: in a descriptive-correlation study, 129 patients were selected from patients with fgid referred to digestive clinic of the noor hospital in isfahan (during 5 months in 2008). they were investigated using toronto alexithymia scale , hospital anxiety and depression scale and gastrointestinal symptom rating scale. data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient and regression analysis. findings: only the dimension of “difficulty in identifying feelings” has a significant positive correlation with depression, anxiety and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in fgid patients. this dimension is predictor variance of depression, anxiety and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms. conclusions: the study emphasizes on the role of alexithymia especially the dimension of “ difficulty in identifying feelings” to understand the psychopathology of fgid. so, it seems that assessment and considering it as an effective factor in the treatment of these patients is essential.