Alexithymie et liens avec la dépression et l’anxiété dans la sclérose en plaques

Abstract

Objectives This study evaluates the prevalence of alexithymia in multiple sclerosis and examines the links between alexithymia, depression and anxiety. Method Sixty-one subjects aged between 18 and 60 years and suffering from multiple sclerosis took part in the study. The psychological assessment consisted of an interview with a psychologist and three questionnaires: the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results The prevalence of alexithymia was 42.5%, 34.4% for depression and 44.3% for anxiety (high and moderate level). The alexithymic subjects were more depressed and anxious. Results indicated positive correlations between anxiety (state and trait), depression and alexithymia scores. The various dimensions of alexithymia were found to be diversely correlated with anxiety and depression. Conclusions Our results point out the importance of anxiety in multiple sclerosis and the specificity of alexithymia.