alexithymia

Full Definition

Alexithymia is a psychological construct characterized by difficulty identifying and describing emotions, distinguishing between emotions and bodily sensations, and externally oriented thinking. This condition is often seen in patients with autism spectrum disorders, PTSD, and certain personality disorders. In clinical documentation, it's important to distinguish this from simple emotional numbing or avoidance, as alexithymia represents a fundamental deficit in emotional processing rather than a defensive response.

Usage

Usage note: Often misspelled as 'alexathymia'. Ensure proper distinction from related emotional deficits.

In Context

• "The patient exhibited alexithymia, consistently responding 'I don't know' when asked to describe her emotional state." — psychiatric assessment note
• "Treatment planning must account for the client's alexithymia when selecting therapeutic interventions." — treatment plan documentation