Alexithymia refers to a specific disturbance in psychic functioning
characterized by difficulties in the capacity to verbalize affect and to
elaborate fantasies. Although initially described in the context of
psychosomatic illness, alexithymic characteristics may be observed in
patients with a wide range of medical and psychiatric disorders. The author
reviews the concept of alexithymia, including its historical background,
clinical and demographic features, and possible etiology. He critically
evaluates the different methods used to measure alexithymia and discusses
the important implications it has for medical and psychiatric
treatment.Abstract Teaser