The hypothesis that alexithymia reflects a functional disconnection
between the two cerebral hemispheres was examined in 25 male combat
veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multiple regression
analysis revealed that the efficiency of interhemispheric communication,
evaluated with a tactile finger localization task, was a significant
predictor of the degree of alexithymia, as measured by the Toronto
Alexithymia Scale, independent of PTSD severity and IQ. The PTSD subjects
without alexithymia did not differ on the finger localization task from 10
male control subjects without alexithymia. These data suggest that at least
some forms of alexithymia may be mediated by an interhemispheric
communication deficit.Abstract Teaser