A review of Alexithymia concept

Abstract

Alexithymia is a term used for clinic diagnosis of those with marked difficulty in verbally expressing emotions, and it means "no words for emotions". The aim of this article is to present a review of the literature on the Alexithymia concept, highlighting additions from recent findings in neurobiology. It includes developments on the concept since the 70's, emphasizing the contributions of Sifneos and the straight association of this concept with psychosomatic diseases. Then, it presents the concept from a multifactor view indicating the role of neurobiology in order to increasingly understand its etiology. Finally, it stresses that integrating the etiological sources will enhance comprehension of treatment and prevention. © 2009 Psicologia: Teoria e Pesquisa.