ALEXITHYMIA AND IMPULSIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Impulsivity and Alexithymia are related to substance use disorders (SUD) as risk factors (1,2), several cognitive skills are implied in both traits (1,2). However, few researches are published on their mutual relationship in SUD patients. OBJECTIVES To describe the correlations between alexithymia and impulsivity in SUD patients. METHODS Patients with SUD (according to DSM-5) were evaluated with invited to participate in an addiction treatment Ad-Hoc questionnaire, Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), Barratt impulsivity scales (BIS-11) and Dickamn functional dysfunctional impulsivity scale (FIDI) were performed in all patients. RESULTS 93 patients completed the full evaluation, the total score of TAS-20 was significantly related to total scores of BIS-11 and FIDI. Analyzing subscales, Difficulty Describing Feelings subscale describe better the association between total TAS-20 scores and impulsivity, and it may be the link between dysfunctional impulsivity and alexithymia. Externally-Oriented Thinking subscale was fewer correlated to any BIS-11 factor compared to the other subscales of TAS-20. Interestingly, cognitive impulsivity is not related to total TAS-20 scores and the TAS-20 subscales. CONCLUSIONS Alexythimia and impulsivity are related in SUD (especially some subfactors are better associated), and hence these relations should be considered when conducting therapeutic approaches. REFERENCIAS 1. Morie KP, Yip SW, Nich C, Hunkele K, Carroll KM, Potenza MN. Alexithymia and Addiction: A Review and Preliminary Data Suggesting Neurobiological Links to Reward/Loss Processing. Curr Addict Rep. 2016;3(2):239-248 2. Shishido H, Gaher RM, Simons JS. I don't know how I feel, therefore I act: alexithymia, urgency, and alcohol problems. Addict Behav. 2013;38(4):2014-7. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2012.12.014.