Alexithymia: A Review of Existing Literature and a Prospective Route for Future Training

Abstract

Alexithymia, a trans-diagnostic construct characterized by a disability to identify and articulate emotions, has received increasing attention within the medical and psychiatric communities due to its profound, negative impact on treatment outcomes. This paper provides insight into its complex and pervasive nature, its conceptualization and assessment, underlying neurobiological mechanisms and acquisition, extensive comorbidities, treatment implications, clinical manifestations, clinical considerations, and analysis of the existing body of research. While previous research assumed Alexithymia to be largely untreatable, recent publications have indicated its ability to be affected by emotional-awareness skill building and relationally based interventions, though no specific treatments for Alexithymia currently exist. As such, an increase in clinical awareness is necessary to spread knowledge and understanding of this construct to allow for additional research to take place. To address this gap in awareness, a comprehensive training is included which provides an overview of Alexithymia and its importance within the mental health field. Keywords: alexithymia, emotional awareness, alexithymia trainin