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Abstract
The present study examines how alexithymia, self-report of symptoms, and pulmonary
function are related to each other among a sample of patients with asthma. The goal
was to extend previous research showing that alexithymia may complicate treatment
of asthma.
Seventy-four participants with asthma completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS),
Asthma Symptom Checklist (ASC), Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS), and spirometry
testing.
The "Difficulty identifying feelings" subscale (IDE) of the TAS was associated with
increased report of emotional symptoms (panic-fear) as well as physical symptoms (fatigue)
during the past week, but not pulmonary function on the day of testing. This relationship
appeared to be influenced by trait anxiety. The "Difficulty communicating feelings"
subscale (COM) was correlated with decreased pulmonary function, but not report of
emotional or physical sensations experienced during the prior week. The "Externally
oriented thinking" subscale (EOT) was not related to any of the dependent measures.
These data suggest that alexithymia may complicate optimal management of asthma and
this relationship is best studied by examining the subscales of the TAS separately.