Interplay between alexithymia, emotion regulation, and positive and negative affect as predictors of gambling and gaming disorders in adolescents and young adults

Introduction/Objectives: Gambling and gaming disorder are usually comorbid addictive behaviours in which alexithymia and emotional regulation have been proved to be of relevance. The present study aimed to analyse the relationship between those variables and their differences depending on the presence or absence of gambling and gaming behaviours. Method: The sample consisted of 1,219 people between 12 and 20 years of age (M = 15.55, SD = 2.07; 51.8% females). Results: The results showed significant differences between players and non-players in gambling disorder, alexithymia and emotional regulation. The findings also indicated that there were differences in alexithymia, emotional regulation, negative affect, gambling disorder and gaming disorder among the different profiles of video game players. The comparison of participants with gaming disorder, gambling disorder, both, or neither of them, showed differences in alexithymia, emotional regulation, negative affect, gambling disorder and gaming disorder. Furthermore, correlations between gambling disorder and age, gaming disorder, negative affect, alexithymia and emotional regulation were found. Similarly, gaming dis-order was associated with gambling disorder, negative affect, alexithymia, emotional regulation and age. Conclusions: The hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated the predictive role of alexithymia and age in gambling disorder as well as the predictive role of age, sex and negative affect in gaming disorder.

Introducción/Objetivos: Los trastornos de juego y videojuego son conductas adictivas habitualmente comórbidas en las que se ha demostrado la relevancia de la alexitimia y la regulación emocional. Este estudio analiza la relación entre dichas variables y sus diferencias en función de la presencia o ausencia de conductas de juego y videojuego. Método: La muestra estuvo formada por 1219 personas de entre 12 y 20 años (M = 15.55, SD = 2.07; 51.8 % mujeres). Resultados: Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas entre jugadores y no jugadores en el juego patológico, la alexitimia y la regulación emocional. Los resultados también indicaron que había diferencias en alexitimia, regulación emocional, afecto negativo, trastorno de juego y videojuego entre los distintos perfiles de jugadores de videojuegos. La comparación de los participantes con trastorno de juego y videojuego, con ambos o con ninguno de ellos, mostró diferencias en la alexitimia, la regulación emocional, el afecto negativo, el trastorno de juego y videojuego. Además, se encontraron correlaciones entre el juego patológico y la edad, el trastorno por videojuego, el afecto negativo, la alexitimia y la regulación emocional. Del mismo modo, el trastorno por videojuego se asoció con el juego patológico, el afecto negativo, la alexitimia, la regulación emocional y la edad. Conclusiones: Los análisis de regresión jerárquica demostraron el papel predictivo de la alexitimia y la edad en el trastorno de juego y el papel predictivo de la edad, el sexo y el afecto negativo en el trastorno por videojuego.

Psiquiatría transcultural y depresión en China: un relato clínico / Cross-cultural psychiatry and depression in the eastern population

El siguiente trabajo presenta la historia de una paciente de 19 años oriunda de China, que cursó una internación en una sala de psiquiatría de un hospital general por un cuadro de características depresivas. El caso es notable por el polimorfismo en la sintomatología clínica que presentó. El objetivo es analizar, a partir de él, la necesidad de un enfoque interdisciplinario que trate a la cultura como una variable significativa en la construcción de una enfermedad, entendiendo que los modelos fisiopatológicos resultan necesarios pero no suficientes para comprender de qué modo se constituye. Para dicho fin se hará un breve recorrido por los estudios efectuados en la década del 80 en China por el psiquiatra y antropólogo Arthur Kleiman y se desarrollará la perspectiva de la psicoanalista Helena Lunazzi, quien en su libro Alexitimia desarrolla cómo la cultura influye en la expresión verbal de las emociones. (AU)

The following work presents the history of a 19-year-old patient from China who was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward of a general hospital due to a depressive illness, being the case remarkable for the polymorphism in the clinical symptoms that she presented. The objective is to analyze the need for an interdisciplinary approach that treats culture as a significant variable in the construction of a disease, understanding that pathophysiological models are necessary but not sufficient to comprehend how they are constituted. For this purpose, a brief review will be made of the studies carried out in the 1980s in China by the psychiatrist and anthropologist Arthur Kleiman and the perspective of the psychoanalyst Lunazzi Helena, who in her book "Alexithymia" develops how culture influences the verbal expression of emotions. (AU)

Alexithymia, masculinity and sexual behavior among Brazilian men / Alexitimia, masculinidade e comportamento sexual entre homens Brasileiros

Normative masculinity and alexithymia may negatively affect sexual life and men's well-being. In this study, the endorsement of traditional male norms, alexithymia and sexual behavior were assessed through an online survey directed to Brazilian men. Relationship status and religion were also addressed, and associations and correlations between variables were carried out. The survey presented 66 items, including standardized questionnaires, such as Meanings of Adolescent Masculinity Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Male Sexual Quotient. The sample consisted in 528 Brazilian men with high socioeconomic and educational levels. Alexithymia was negatively correlated with sexual satisfaction. The endorsement of traditional male norms was positively correlated with pornography use and was also associated with sharing of pornographic material through social media. Married men had the lowest levels of alexithymia, with significant difference when compared with men who are not currently in a relationship. Furthermore, having a religion was associated with greater endorsement of traditional male norms. These findings suggest that alexithymia may have greater influence on behaviors associated with interpersonal relations, including sexual satisfaction and relationship status. Conversely, normative masculinity was linked to personal variables, which did not involve a partner, including pornography consumption and religion.

A masculinidade normativa e alexitimia podem afetar negativamente a vida sexual e o bem-estar dos homens. Neste estudo, a concepção de masculinidade, alexitimia e comportamento sexual foram avaliados por meio de uma pesquisa online dirigida aos homens brasileiros. O status de relacionamento e religião também foram abordados, efetivando-se associações e correlações entre as diferentes variáveis. A pesquisa apresentou 66 itens, incluindo questionários estandardizados, como a Escala de Concepções de Masculinidade, Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto e Quociente Sexual - versão masculina. A amostra consistiu em 528 homens brasileiros com altos níveis socioeconômicos e educacionais. Alexitimia foi negativamente correlacionada com a satisfação sexual. O endosso das normas tradicionais masculinas foi positivamente correlacionado com o uso de pornografia, bem como associado ao compartilhamento de material pornográfico por meio das mídias sociais. Os homens casados obtiveram os níveis mais baixos de alexitimia, com diferença significativa quando comparados com homens que não mantém atualmente um relacionamento. Além disso, ter uma religião foi associado a uma maior percepção de importância das normas tradicionais masculinas. Os achados sugerem que a alexitimia pode possuir maior influência sobre os comportamentos associados às relações interpessoais, incluindo satisfação sexual e status de relacionamento. Por outro lado, a masculinidade normativa foi ligada a variáveis pessoais, que não envolviam um parceiro, incluindo o consumo de pornografia e a religião.

Frecuencia de alexitimia y factores relacionados en pacientes con fibromialgia tratados en un hospital público de Lima, Perú / Frequency and related factors of alexithymia in patients with fibromyalgia treated at a public hospital in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo : Determinar la frecuencia de alexitimia y factores relacionados en pacientes con fibromialgia, y la relación entre alexitimia y capacidad funcional, intensidad de dolor, depresión y variables generales (edad, sexo, tiempo de enfermedad, grado de instrucción y años de estudio) en fibromialgia. Material y métodos : Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en pacientes con fibromialgia del Servicio de Reumatología de un hospital público de Lima, Perú. Se aplicó una ficha sociodemográfica, la TAS-20, el MD-HAQ y la CES-D. Resultados : De los 126 pacientes con fibromialgia, 60 (47,62 %) mostraron alexitimia, 24 de ellos presentaron depresión (40%) y 39, discapacidad funcional (65%). En el análisis bivariado la alexitimia se relacionó significativamente con mayor comorbilidad, menor grado de instrucción, mayor intensidad de dolor, mayor fatiga y más síntomas reportados. En el análisis multivariado, años de estudio (£11 años) fue el único factor relacionado a alexitimia (TAS-20) (p=0,010, OR: 2,589 [1,249 - 5,365]). Conclusiones : Se demuestra una frecuencia considerable de alexitimia en pacientes con fibromialgia y, en el análisis multivariado, este hallazgo se relaciona significativamente con un número menor de años de estudio.

SUMMARY Objective : To determine the frequency of alexithymia and associated factors in patients with fibromyalgia, and the relationship between alexithymia with functional capacity, pain intensity, depression and general variables (age, sex, time of illness, degree of instruction, and years of study) in fibromyalgia. Material and methods : Descriptive cross-sectional study of patients with fibromyalgia from the Rheumatology service of a public hospital in Lima, Perú. A sociodemographic record, TAS-20, MD-HAQ and CES-D were applied. Results . Of the 126 patients with fibromyalgia, 60 had alexithymia (47.62%); 24 alexithymic patients had depression (40 %), and 39 had functional disability (65 %). In the bivariate analysis, alexithymia was significantly related to greater comorbidity, less education, greater pain intensity, greater fatigue and more reported symptoms. In the multivariate analysis, years of study (£ 11 years) were the only factor related to alexithymia (TAS-20) (p=0.010, OR: 2.589 [1.249 - 5.365]). Conclusions : This study shows a considerable frequency of alexithymia in fibromyalgia patients and, in the multivariate analysis, the finding is significantly related to a lower number of years of study.

Non-suicidal self-injury in patients with eating disorders: nuclear aspects / Autolesiones no suicidas en pacientes con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria: Aspectos nucleares

Abstract Background: Through the culture of thinness, increasingly promoted in our society as a beauty canon, it is not surprising that the number of people affected by eating disorders is increasing. Objective: This research aims to study the relationship between non-suicidal self-injuries and nuclear aspects of eating disorders specified along with this article. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 women diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia. Questionnaires assessing impulsivity, body satisfaction, alexithymia, body attitude and self-esteem were administered. Participants with non-suicidal self-harm were compared with those without it, and participants with anorexia with and without self-harm and participants with bulimia with and without self-harm were compared. Results: Differences were found in body dissatisfaction= 5.71; p ≤0.01), body attitudes= 4.80; p ≤0.02), self-esteem= 14.09; p ≤0.00) and impulsivity (t= 3.39; p ≤0.01) between participants with and without non-suicidal self-harm. Conclusions: These are key factors for the clinical area in the treatment of eating disorders to prevent the presence of self-harm, as it allows focusing the treatment target on those aspects such as dissatisfaction and impulsivity, which are key in the development of self-harm.

Resumen Introducción: A través de la cultura de la delgadez, cada vez más promovida en nuestra sociedad como canon de belleza, no es de extrañar que este aumentado el número de personas afectadas por Trastornos de Conducta alimentaria. Objetivo: Estudiar la relación entre las autolesiones no suicidas y aspectos nucleares del trastorno de conducta alimentaria que se especifican a lo largo de este artículo. Métodos: La muestra ha sido formada por 60 mujeres diagnosticadas de anorexia y bulimia. Se administraron cuestionarios que evaluaban la impulsividad, satisfacción corporal, alexitimia, actitud corporal y autoestima. Se compararon aquellas participantes que presentaban autolesiones no suicidas con las que no lo presentaban, además se compararon participantes con anorexia con y sin autolesiones y participantes con bulimia con y sin autolesiones. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias en insatisfacción corporal = 5,71; p ≤0.01), en actitudes corporales= 4.80; p ≤0.02), autoestima= 14.09; p ≤0.00) e impulsividad, (t= 3.39; p ≤0.01) entre participantes con y sin autolesiones no suicidas. Conclusiones: Estos son factores clave para la clínica en el tratamiento de los trastornos de conducta alimentaria para prevenir la presencia de autolesiones, ya que permite enfocar el objetivo del tratamiento a aquellos aspectos como la insatisfacción e impulsividad, que son claves en el desarrollo de autolesiones.

Alexitimia y Psoriasis. Revisión bibliográfica / Alexithymia and Psoriasis a review

Resumen La psoriasis es considerada una enfermedad dentro del espectro de las patologías psicosomáticas. Este cuadro presenta diversas comorbilidades tanto somáticas como psicológicas. Dentro de esta última dimensión, las más prevalentes son los trastornos de ansiedad y depresión. Históricamente se ha asociado la evolución de la psoriasis con factores como el estrés; sin embargo, recientes investigaciones destacan que serían más influyentes aspectos propios de la personalidad del paciente, como la alexitimia, más que el evento estresante en particular. La alexitimia presenta alta prevalencia en pacientes con psoriasis y conforme a diversos estudios se relacionaría con implicancias adversas en el curso de la patología cutánea en lo que respecta a la calidad de vida, percepción de enfermedad, comorbilidades, evolución y vulnerabilidad al estrés.

Summary Psoriasis is considered a Psychosomatic disease. It is associated with several comorbidities, not only somatic but also psychiatric and psychological, such as anxiety and depression. Historically, this cutaneous disease has been associated with environmental factors including stress. Recent studies reported that psychological aspects of the patient such as personality traits, including alexithymia, may be more important in the course of the pathology than a stressor factor. Patients affected by psoriasis and alexithymia may be more vulnerable to stress, and this association would be one of the reasons for the disease exacerbations. There is a high prevalence between alexithymia and psoriasis. In accordance with the reviewed articles, alexithymia is related with poor quality of life, abnormal perception of the illness, somatic and psychiatric comorbidities, worse prognosis and vulnerability to stress influence. The intention of this review is to bring an update of the impact of alexithymia in patients affected by psoriasis.

The role of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in improving attachment patterns, defense styles, and alexithymia in patients with depressive/anxiety disorders / O papel da psicoterapia psicodinâmica de longo prazo na melhora de padrões de apego, estilos de defesa e alexitimia em pacientes com transtornos depressivos e de ansiedade

Abstract Introduction Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP) emphasizes the centrality of intrapsychic and unconscious conflicts and their relation to development. Although there is evidence supporting the efficacy of LTPP in mental disorders, little research has been published on the efficacy of LTPP for depressive and anxiety disorders. Objective To examine whether patients with anxiety and depressive disorders demonstrate improvement in their attachment styles, defense styles, psychiatric symptoms, anxiety/depressive symptoms, and alexithymia with LTPP. Methods In this retrospective, descriptive study, the psychological outcomes of patients who were treated at the psychoanalytic clinic of Babol University of Medical Sciences were assessed. Fourteen patients diagnosed with depressive or anxiety disorder participated in the study of LTPP using the self-psychology approach. The Beck Depression Inventory II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Adult Attachment Scale, 40-item Defense Style Questionnaire, and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale were administered at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze changes in psychological outcomes after each of the three assessments. Results The mean scores of depression and anxiety and secure attachment improved significantly after LTPP with self-psychology approach from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up. Also, the mean scores of neurotic and immature defenses, difficulty in identifying feelings, difficulty in describing feelings, externally oriented thinking, and total alexithymia scores decreased significantly from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up. Conclusion Symptoms of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, insecure attachment styles, alexithymia, and neurotic/immature defense styles improved after the LTPP with self-psychology approach. Moreover, the improvements persisted at the 6-month follow-up.

Resumo Introdução A psicoterapia psicodinâmica de longo prazo (PPLP) enfatiza a centralidade dos conflitos intrapsíquicos e inconscientes e sua relação com o desenvolvimento. Apesar da evidência em favor da eficácia da PPLP em transtornos mentais, há poucos dados sobre a eficácia da PPLP em transtornos de depressão/ansiedade. Objetivo Examinar se pacientes com transtornos de depressão/ansiedade demonstram melhora em seus estilos de apego, estilos defensivos, sintomas psiquiátricos, sintomas de ansiedade/depressão e alexitimia com PPLP. Métodos Neste estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, os desfechos psicológicos de pacientes tratados na clínica psicanalítica da Babol University of Medical Sciences foram avaliados. Quatorze pacientes com diagnóstico de transtorno de depressão ou ansiedade participaram do estudo sobre PPLP com abordagem de psicologia do self. O Inventário de Depressão de Beck II, o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck, a Escala de Apego do Adulto, o Questionário de Estilo de Defesa-40 e a Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto-20 foram administrados antes e após o tratamento e no seguimento de 6 meses. Equações de estimação generalizadas foram usadas para analisar mudanças nos desfechos psicológicos após cada avaliação. Resultados Os escores médios de depressão/ansiedade e apego seguro melhoraram significativamente após PPLP com abordagem de psicologia do self do início do estudo ao pós-tratamento e seguimento. Além disso, os escores médios de defesas neuróticas e imaturas, dificuldade em identificar sentimentos, dificuldade em descrever sentimentos, pensamentos orientados externamente e escores totais de alexitimia diminuíram significativamente do início do estudo ao pós-tratamento e seguimento. Conclusão Sintomas de transtornos de ansiedade, transtornos depressivos, estilos de apego inseguro, alexitimia e estilos de defesa neuróticos/imaturos melhoraram após PPLP com abordagem de psicologia do self. Além disso, as melhoras persistiram no seguimento de 6 meses.

Memory for emotional information and alexithymia: a systematic review / Memória para informações emocionais e alexitimia: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT: Alexithymia is a deficit in the recognition, expression and regulation of emotions, which has the following features: difficulty in identifying or describing feelings, difficulty distinguishing between feelings and bodily sensations, stringent imaginal processes, and externally oriented cognitive style. This personality trait is associated with many psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders, as well as with risky behaviors. Objective: To investigate whether this trait is also associated with reduced memory for emotional information. Methods: A review of articles investigating the possible damage caused by alexithymia to implicit and explicit memory for emotional information was conducted. Results: Although the studies concerning implicit memory presented divergent results, most studies on explicit memory suggested a deficit for emotional information retention in high-alexithymia individuals. Conclusion: The reviewed data support the notion that the typical increase in episodic memory for emotional information is reduced in high-alexithymia individuals.

RESUMO: A alexitimia é um déficit no reconhecimento, expressão e regulação das emoções, que possui as seguintes características: dificuldade em identificar sentimentos, dificuldade em descrever sentimentos, dificuldade em distinguir sentimentos e sensações corporais, processos de imaginação dificultados e estilo de cognição externamente orientado. Este traço de personalidade está associado a muitos transtornos psiquiátricos e psicossomáticos, bem como a comportamentos de risco aumentados. Objetivo: Investigar se este traço também está associado a redução de memória para informações emocionais. Métodos: Artigos que investigam os possíveis danos causados ​​pela alexitimia na memória implícita e explícita para informações emocionais foram revisados. Resultados: Embora os estudos sobre memória implícita tenham apresentado resultados divergentes, a maioria dos estudos sobre memória explícita sugeriu déficits na retenção de informação emocional em indivíduos com altos índices de alexitimia. Conclusão: Os dados revisados ​​sugerem que o aumento típico na memória episódica para informações emocionais é reduzido em indivíduos com alta alexitimia.

Bizygomatic width and personality traits of the relational field / Ancho bizigomático y rasgos de personalidad del campo relacional

SUMMARY: The bizygomatic width when compared to the bigonial width (WD) has been proposed as a craniofacial marker of some social and personality traits, such us self-reliance or the ability to express emotions. However, no studies have examined the association between WD and psychopathic traits, as happens with other craniofacial variables such us the facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR). In a sample of 70 adults (male and female) we took measures of the bizygomatic and the bigonial arches. Subjects performed self-assessment tests to evaluate their self-reliance, their alexithymia and emotional expressiveness and their coldheartedness or callousunemotional. Results showed a significant relationship between WD and self-reliance, emotional expression and alexithymia, and a tendency towards significance with general psychopathic scores. Additionally, we found a modificatory effect of the variables sex and age when analyzing the influence of the WD on the Factor 3 - "Coldheartedness" of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised (PPI-R), where this effect diminished depending on the subject's sex and age. Results suggested that the WD seem to be a good marker to be taken into consideration in further research that examines craniofacial traits and personality traits of the socio-emotional field.

RESUMEN: La anchura bicigomática en comparación con la anchura bigonial (WD) se ha propuesto como marcador craneofacial de algunos rasgos sociales y de personalidad, como la independencia/gregarismo o la capacidad de expresión emocional. Sin embargo, ningún estudio ha examinado la asociación entre la WD y los rasgos psicopáticos, como ocurre con otras variables craneofaciales, como la ratio anchura / altura facial (fWHR). En una muestra de 70 adultos (hombres y mujeres) tomamos medidas de los arcos bizigomático y bigonial. Los sujetos realizaron pruebas de autoevaluación para evaluar la capacidad de incorporarse al grupo, la alexitimia y la expresividad emocional, y la frialdad o la insensibilidad emocional. Los resultados mostraron una relación significativa entre WD con independencia/gregarismo, expresión emocional y alexitimia, así como una tendencia hacia la significación con la psicopatía en general. Adicionalmente, encontramos un efecto modificador de las variables sexo y edad al analizar la influencia de la WD en el Factor 3 - "Coldheartness" del Inventario de Personalidad Psicopática-Revisado (PPI-R), donde este efecto disminuye según sexo y edad. Los resultados sugieren que el WD parece ser un buen marcador para tener en cuenta en futuras investigaciones que examinen los rasgos craneofaciales y los rasgos de personalidad del campo socioemocional.

Theory of mind and alexithymia: emotional self-awareness and the other's face in a sample of cancer patients and contrast group / Teoría de la mente y alexitimia: autoconciencia emocional y el rostro del otro en una muestra de pacientes oncológicos y grupo de contraste

Resumen A través de esta investigación se buscó ver si existe relación entre alexitimia y el reconocimiento de estados mentales afectivos en la mirada; e indagar al mismo tiempo, en la posible influencia que la condición de cáncer pudiera tener. De este modo, se pretendió establecer diferencias en estas variables, en un grupo con y sin alexitimia de pacientes con cáncer (n = 98) y un grupo de contraste (n = 79) sin condición clínica. Para este estudio se trabajó con pacientes del área de oncología de dos hospitales en Chile, puesto que de manera consistente se ha vinculado a la alexitimia e inhibición como un rasgo de personalidad asociado a personas que padecen cáncer. Los resultados indicaron que el reconocido déficit en auto-conciencia emocional en alexitímicos se manifestaría, a su vez, en una capacidad disminuida en dar cuenta del trasfondo mental de los demás, y este resultado sería independiente de la condición de padecer o no cáncer.

Abstract This research study sought to determine the existence of a relationship between alexithymia and the recognition of emotion in people's eyes. Similarly, to investigate the possible influence that the cancer condition has in this emotional recognition deficits. Thus, we sought to identify differences in these variables in a group with and without alexithymia of patients with cancer and a contrast group without clinical condition. For this study, we worked with oncology patients in two hospitals in Chile, as it consistently has been linked to inhibition and alexithymia as a personality trait associated with people with cancer. The results indicated that the recognized deficit in self-consciousness emotional in alexithymics would manifest, in turn, in a diminished capacity in accounting for the mental background of others, and this result would be independent of the condition of suffering or not cancer.

High levels of alexithymia in patients with multiple sclerosis / Altos índices de alexitimia foram observados em pacientes com esclerose múltipla

ABSTRACT: Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings. Some researchers describe high levels of alexithymia among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) but literature data on this subject are scarce. Objective: The objective of the present study was to characterize findings of alexithymia in patients with MS. Methods: This cross-sectional case-control study included 180 patients with MS and a matched control group. Data for patients with MS included disease duration, number of demyelinating relapses and degree of neurological disability, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS). In addition, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were used. Results: There were 126 women and 54 men in each group, with median age of 37 years and median education of 16 years. Patients with MS had higher degrees of depression (p<0.01), anxiety (p=0.01) and alexithymia (p<0.01) than did control subjects. For individuals with MS, depressive traits (p<0.01), anxious traits (p=0.03), higher age (p=0.02), lower education level (p=0.02), higher degree of disability (p<0.01) and not being actively employed (p=0.03) were associated with higher rates of alexithymia. Conclusion: Alexithymia was a relevant finding in patients with MS.

RESUMO: Alexitimia é um traço de personalidade caracterizado pelas dificuldades na identificação e descrição dos sentimentos. Alguns pesquisadores descrevem altos índices de alexitimia em pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM), porém os dados na literatura são escassos. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar achados de alexitimia em pacientes com EM. Métodos: Este estudo transversal incluiu 180 pacientes com EM e um grupo controle pareado. Dados de pacientes com EM incluíram a duração da doença, número de surtos clínicos de desmielinização e grau de incapacidade neurológica avaliados pela Escala Expandida do Grau de Incapacidade (EDSS). Foram também utilizadas a escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HAD) e a escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (TAS) foram utilizadas. Resultados: Cada grupo era constituído por 126 mulheres e 54 homens, com mediana de idade de 37 anos e mediana de escolaridade de 16 anos. Pacientes com EM apresentaram maior grau de depressão (p<0.01), ansiedade (p=0.01) e alexitimia (p<0.01) que os controles. Para pessoas com EM, traços depressivos (p<0.01), ansiosos (p=0.03), maior idade (p=0.02), menor nível educacional (p=0.02), maior grau de incapacidade (p<0.01) e o fato de não estar ativamente trabalhando (p=0.03) levaram a maiores níveis de alexitimia. Conclusão: Alexitimia foi um importante achado em pacientes com EM.

Alexitimia en pacientes con asma bronquial atendidos en el servicio de alergia de previsora, Camagüey, Cuba / Alexitimia in patients with bronchial asthma treated in the allergy service of Previsora, Camagüey, Cuba

Antecedentes. Algunas conductas y enfermedades humanas están asociadas con alexitimia, que es la incapacidad de hacer corresponder las palabras con las emociones. Material y método. Del universo de 2490 individuos mayores de 15 años pertenecientes al área de salud Previsora, se obtuvo una muestra constituida por 351 asmáticos (casos) y 355 sanos (controles). Se aplicó la Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (TAS-20); estadística descriptiva; razón de posibilidades (RP) e intervalo de confianza (IC) de 95% para asociación de alexitimia en los casos y en los controles. Chi-cuadrado (chi 2) y análisis de varianza para diferencias. Resultados. La prevalencia de alexitimia fue de 5,9% en los casos y de 4,2 % en los controles (p=0,18); RP de 1,44; IC95,0%: 0,73-2,84. No se detectaron diferencias entre sexo (p=0,322). Las puntuaciones más altas de alexitimia fueron para edades de 40 a 80 años (p=0,056). En comorbilidad, el predominio de alexitimia fue para asma/rinitis (p=0,034). Hubo asociación de alexitimia con asma moderada y grave (p=0,014). Discusión. En la muestra, la prevalencia de alexitimia fue inferior a estudios realizados en otros contextos, resultado éste que requiere nuevos investigaciones que incluyan también a otras disciplinas. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de alexitimia es baja en los pacientes con asma. Sin embargo, en asma/rinitis y en asmáticos moderados/ severos en nuestra muestra se observó incremento de alexitimia. (AU)

Background: Some human behaviors and diseases are associated with alexithymia, which is the inability to match words with emotions. Material and Method: A sample consisting of 351 asthmatics (cases) and 355 healthy (controls) was obtained from a population of 2490 individuals over 15 years of age belonging to the health area of Previsora. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was applied; Descriptive statistics; odds ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for association of alexithymia in cases and controls. Chi-square (chi 2) and, analysis of variance for differences.Results: The prevalence of alexithymia was 5.9% in the cases and 4.2% in the controls (p = 0, 18); RP of 1.44; CI (95.0%), 0.73-2.84. No differences were detected between sex (p = 0.322). The highest scores for alexithymia were for ages 40 to 80 years (p = 0.056). In co morbidity, the predominance of alexithymia was for asthma / rhinitis (p = 0.034). There was association of alexithymia with moderate and severe asthma (p = 0.014). Discussion: In the sample, the prevalence of alexithymia was lower than studies performed in other contexts; a result that requires new research that also includes other disciplines. Conclusions: The prevalence of alexithymia is low in patients with asthma. However, in asthma / rhinitis and in moderate / severe asthmatics in our sample, increased alexithymia was observed(AU)

Bizygomatic width and its association with social and personality traits in males / Distancia bicigomática y su asociación con habilidades sociales y rasgos de personalidad en hombres

This study will examine how differences in measurements between bizygomatic and bigonial arches of the human face can provide relevant information regarding personality and abilities of the subject. Sample: 82 males. Group A: 55 subjects with the bizygomatic arch in contraction. Group B: 27 subjects without the bizygomatic arch in contraction. Subjects performed self-assessment tests in the following areas: ability incorporating themselves into the group, alexithymia and emotional expressiveness. Group A showed greater self-sufficiency and independence than group B, greater difficulty in describing and verbally expressing their emotions, less ability to express themselves emotionally through other forms of communication and reduced willingness to cooperate philanthropically. Results suggest a strong relationship between morphological structure of the bizygomatic arch and certain psychological characteristics.

Este estudio examina cómo la diferencia entre las anchuras del arco bicigomático y bigonial en la cara humana, proporcionan información relevante sobre la personalidad y las habilidades de un sujeto. Muestra: 82 hombres. Grupo A: 55 sujetos con el arco bicigomático en contracción. Grupo B: 27 sujetos con el arco bicigomático sin retracción. Los sujetos realizaron pruebas de autoevaluación en las siguientes áreas: adhesión/independencia al grupo, alexitimia y expresividad emocional. El grupo A mostró respecto al grupo B una mayor autosuficiencia e independencia, mayor dificultad para describir y expresar verbalmente sus emociones, menor capacidad para expresarse emocionalmente a través de diferentes formas de comunicación y reducción de la voluntad de cooperar filantrópicamente. Los resultados sugieren una fuerte relación entre la estructura morfológica del arco bicigomático y ciertas características psicológicas.

Toronto Alexithymia Scale: Adaptation of the Brazilian Version to Low-Educated Adults / Toronto Alexithymia Scale: Adaptação da Versão Brasileira para Adultos de Baixa Escolaridade / Toronto Alexithymia Scale: Adaptación de la Versión Brasileña para Adultos con Baja Escolaridad

Abstract: For the purpose of studying Alexithymia in low-educated adults, we intend to adapt the Brazilian version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-26) and to verify its internal consistency. With that aim, we translated the original TAS-26 (English) to Portuguese, adopting a colloquial language, without content distortion. An exploratory qualitative study interviewed 50 women (38-65 years, education <9 years) and identified comprehension difficulties in 22 items, that needed adaptation. A professional translator performed the back-translation of the adapted TAS-26, that was applied to a new sample of women (90 with chronical pain and 90 without pain, 38-65 years, education <9 years) to evaluate its internal consistency. Only four items (1/2/3/16) of the pre-existing Brazilian version (appropriate to university students) did not require modification. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was satisfactory for total score (0.65) and elevated for factor 1 (0.87). The adapted Brazilian version of TAS-26 is appropriate to low-educated adults.

Resumo: Com objetivo de estudar a alexitimia em indivíduos adultos de baixa escolaridade, decidimos adaptar a versão brasileira da Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-26) e verificar sua consistência interna. Para isso, traduzimos a TAS-26 original (inglês) para o português, com linguagem coloquial, sem alteração de conteúdo. Em estudo exploratório qualitativo foram entrevistadas 50 mulheres (38-65 anos, escolaridade <9 anos) e identificamos dificuldade de compreensão em 22 itens, que necessitaram de adaptação. Após retro-tradução feita por tradutor profissional, a TAS-26 adaptada foi então aplicada a nova amostra de mulheres (90 com dor crônica e 90 sem dor, 38-65 anos, escolaridade <9 anos) para avaliar sua consistência interna. Apenas quatro itens (1/2/3/16) da versão brasileira pré-existente (apropriada a universitários) não sofreram modificação. A consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach) foi satisfatória na pontuação total (0,65) e elevada no fator 1 (0,87). A versão brasileira da TAS-26 adaptada é adequada a indivíduos adultos de baixa escolaridade.

Resumen: Con objeto de estudiar la Alexitimia en adultos con bajo nivel de educación, buscamos adaptar la versión brasileña de la Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (TAS-26) y comprobar su consistencia interna. Para esto, traducimos la TAS-26 original (inglés) al portugués, con la adopción de un lenguaje sencillo, sin cambiar el contenido. Una encuesta cualitativa entrevistó a 50 mujeres (38-65 años, escolaridad <9 años) e identificamos dificultad de comprensión sobre 22 puntos, que demandaron adaptaciones. Tras la retro-traducción por un traductor profesional, la TAS-26 adaptada fue aplicada a una nueva muestra de mujeres (90 con dolor crónico y 90 sin dolor, 38-65 años, escolaridad <9 años) para evaluar su consistencia interna. Sólo cuatro ítems (1/2/3/16) de la versión brasileña preexistente (apropiada para universitarios) no fueron cambiados. La consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach) fue satisfactoria en la puntuación total (0,65) y alta en el factor 1 (0,87). La versión brasileña de la TAS-26 adaptada es adecuada para adultos con bajo nivel de escolaridad.

Prevalence of Geriatric Depression and Alexithymia and their association with sociodemographic characteristics in a sample of elderly persons living in Buenos Aires, Argentina / Prevalencia de Depresión Geriátrica y Alexitimia. Su asociación con características sociodemográficas, en una muestra de adultos mayores residentes en Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of Geriatric Depression and Alexithymia and their association with sociodemographic characteristics in independent elderly persons without known depression. Method: a cross-sectional study was conducted, based on a non-probabilistic, intentional type sampling strategy. A total of 176 independent men and women aged over 60 years residing in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, were evaluated through individual interviews using the following instruments: a sociodemographic (ad hoc) questionnaire, an adapted version of the questionnaire of the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (V-15) and the Latin American Alexithymia LAC TAS-20 Scale. The Chi-squared and Student's t-tests were used and the Odds Ratio was calculated, with a probability of error less than or equal to 0.05. Results: The mean age was 73 years (+7.1 years) and 72.7% of the participants were women. The prevalence of Geriatric Depression was 35.8%, while that of Alexithymia was 50.6%. The presence of Geriatric Depression was significantly associated with the female gender and with individuals who did not work. High Alexithymia values were observed among those with primary education and a low occupational level. Conclusion: The evaluation of Geriatric Depression and Alexithymia in clinical care is recommended, and the social determinants of the health of the elderly should also be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. AU

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia de Depresión Geriátrica y Alexitimia y su asociación con las características sociodemográficas de los adultos mayores autoválidos sin depresión conocida. Método: Estudio de corte transversal. La estrategia de muestreo seleccionada fue la no probabilística, de tipo intencional. Se seleccionaron 176 adultos mayores de 60 años, de diferente género y autoválidos, residentes en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, los cuales fueron evaluados a través de una entrevista individual con los siguientes instrumentos: Cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos (ad hoc), adaptación del Cuestionario de Depresión Geriátrica de Yesavage (V-15) y la Escala Latinoamericana de Alexitimia LAC TAS-20. Se utilizaron las pruebas de χ2 (Ji cuadrado), t de Student y se calcularon los Odds Ratio, fijándose una probabilidad de error menor o igual a 0,05. Resultados: La edad media fue 73 años (+7,1 años) y el 72,7% son mujeres. La prevalencia de Depresión Geriátrica fue de 35,8%, y de Alexitimia del 50,6%. La presencia de Depresión Geriátrica se asoció significativamente con el género femenino y con los que no trabajaban. Altos valores de Alexitimia se observaron entre quienes tenían estudios primarios y un bajo nivel ocupacional. Conclusión: Se recomienda la evaluación de Depresión Geriátrica y Alexitimia en la atención clínica, considerando además, para su diagnóstico y tratamiento a los determinantes sociales de la salud de los adultos mayores.AU

Self-perception of quality of life and identification of alexithymia in failed back surgery syndrome patients / Autopercepção da qualidade de vida e identificação da alexitimia em pacientes com síndrome da falha cirúrgica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Failed back surgery syndrome is one of the most frequent nosological entities in a Pain Clinic and is characterized by the persistent maintenance of lumbar and/or lower limbs pain complaints in individuals already submitted to lumbar vertebral surgery. This study aimed at evaluating quality of life and at investigating the presence of alexithymia in a sample of individuals with failed back surgery syndrome, in addition to analyzing correlations between pain intensity and symptoms of anxiety and depression. METHODS: This is a descriptive, exploratory, comparative, cross-sectional study with quantitative approach in a sample of individuals with failed back surgery syndrome (G1) (n=38) and a group with low back pain without surgical intervention (G2) (n=42) of a Teaching Hospital Pain Clinic. Participants were evaluated by the Brief Pain Inventory and the Toronto Alexithymia scale. Emotional factors, such as anxiety and depression, were evaluated by Beck scales and quality of life by the generic WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. RESULTS: There were mean alexithymia, anxiety and depression scores significantly higher for G1 and poorer quality of life in all domains as compared to G2. There were significant correlations between alexithymia and depression (p<0.01) and quality of life (except for the environment domain) and anxiety/depression (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Results have highlighted the negative impact of frequently under-diagnosed psychological variables on quality of life. A better understanding of these emotional reactions may promote a more effective participation of health professionals.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A síndrome da falha cirúrgica é uma das mais frequentes entidades nosológicas em uma Clinica de Dor e caracteriza-se pela manutenção persistente de queixas álgicas lombares e/ou nos membros inferiores em indivíduos já submetidos a cirurgia vertebral lombar. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de vida e investigar a presença de alexitimia em uma amostra de indivíduos com síndrome da falha cirúrgica, e analisar as correlações entre intensidade de dor e presença de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, comparativo, de corte transversal com abordagem quantitativa em uma amostra composta de indivíduos com diagnóstico de síndrome da falha cirúrgica (G1) (n=38) e um grupo com dor lombar e sem intervenção cirúrgica (G2) (n=42) pertencentes a uma Clinica da Dor de um hospital escola. Os participantes foram avaliados pelo Inventario Breve de Dor e a escala de Alexitimia de Toronto. Fatores emocionais como ansiedade e depressão foram avaliados pelas escalas Beck e, a qualidade de vida pelo questionário genérico WHOQOL-BREF. RESULTADOS: Apontaram escores médios significativamente mais elevados de alexitimia, ansiedade e depressão no G1 e pior qualidade de vida em todos os domínios, se comparado ao G2. Correlações significativas entre alexitimia e depressão (p<0,01) e qualidade de vida (exceto no domínio ambiente) e ansiedade/ depressão (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados destacam o impacto negativo que as variáveis psicológicas, frequentemente subdiagnosticadas, têm na qualidade vida. A melhor compreensão dessas reações emocionais pode promover uma atuação mais eficaz do profissional de saúde.

Estudio de la proxémica, el contacto y la expresión de las emociones en una muestra de pacientes con psoriasis / Study of proxemics, contact and emotional expression in a psoriasis patients' sample

Antecedentes: la relación entre alexitimia y psoriasis es compleja y está vinculada con procesos de separación-individuación y con problemáticas en el desarrollo de un apego seguro para establecer relaciones de confianza y regular las emociones y el estrés. Objetivos: analizar la proxémica, el contacto y la expresión emocional de los pacientes con psoriasis en los vínculos materno-filiales y del área sexual. Método: en un estudio correlacional a 51 personas con psoriasis y 56 controles se les aplicaron diferentes instrumentos para evaluar Alexitimia, Apego y Proxémica. Resultados: las personas con psoriasis demostraron mayor evitación del contacto en la sexualidad. La evitación del contacto fue superior al conjugarse la presencia de alexitimia y de psoriasis. Conclusiones: las personas con psoriasis tendrían un menor contacto en la sexualidad y más respuestas fusionales o de lejanía en la relación niño-madre sugiriendo problemáticas de apego. Los resultados obtenidos con los instrumentos administrados sugieren que la alexitimia podría afectar la sexualidad y se potenciaría con la psoriasis generando dificultades de contacto.

Background: the relationship between alexithymia and psoriasis is complex and is related to separation-individualization processes and to difficulties in the development of a secure attachment to establish trustful relationships and to regulate emotions and stress. Objectives: to analyze psoriasis subjective factors such us proxemics, contact and emotional expression on people with psoriasis on their mother-child and sexual bonds. Method: in a correlational study, different scales were applied to 51 psoriasis patients and 56 controls to evaluate Alexithymia, Attachment and Proxemics. Results: people with psoriaris showed more contact avoidance in the sexuality area. Avoidance of contact was greater when alexithymia and psoriasis appeared together. Conclusions: people with psoriasis could have less sexual contact and greater fusional or distance responses on the son-mother bond suggesting difficulties in attachment. Alexithymia could affect sexuality and it could maximize its effects when combined with psoriasis producing contact difficulties.

Relación entre alexitimia e insatisfacción corporal en mujeres mexicanas con distintos trastornos alimentarios / Relationship between alexithymia and body dissatisfaction in Mexican women with different eating disorders

Resumen: La literatura ha evidenciado la relación existente entre alexitimia e insatisfacción corporal con los trastornos alimentarios. Sin embargo, poco se sabe acerca de la relación entre estas variables, particularmente en mujeres con trastornos alimentarios. Por lo anterior, el objetivo general del presente estudio fue determinar el porcentaje de varianza de insatisfacción corporal explicada por alexitimia en 175 mujeres diagnosticadas con trastorno alimentario con promedio de edad de 19.82 años, de las cuales 57 fueron diagnosticadas con anorexia, 55 con bulimia y 63 con trastorno alimentario no especificado. Las participantes respondieron la Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto y el Cuestionario de Imagen Corporal. Los resultados señalan que 7 de cada 10 y 6 de cada 10 participantes presentaban alexitimia e insatisfacción corporal, respectivamente. Así mismo, se encontró que las variables están asociadas significativamente. Finalmente, se encontró que la alexitimia explica el 39% de la varianza en insatisfacción corporal, incrementando el porcentaje (45%) al considerar particularmente la Dificultad para identificar emociones. Por lo anterior, se concluye que la alexitimia influye significativamente sobre la insatisfacción corporal, y en consecuencia puede actuar como factor de riesgo para el desarrollo en enfermedades como anorexia y bulimia.

Abstract: The literature has shown the relationship between alexithymia and body dissatisfaction with eating disorders, however, little is known about the relationship between these variables, particularly in women with eating disorders. Therefore, the overall objective of this study was to determine the percentage of variance explained by alexithymia body dissatisfaction in 175 women diagnosed with eating disorder with a mean age of 19.82 years, of which 57 were diagnosed with anorexia, 55 with bulimia and 63 eating disorder not specified. Participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Body Image Questionnaire. The results show that 7 out of 10 and 6 out of 10 participants had alexithymia and body dissatisfaction, respectively. In addition, it was found that the variables are associated significantly. Finally, it was found that alexithymia explains 39% of the variance in body dissatisfaction, increasing the percentage (45%) to particularly consider the difficulty in identifying emotions. Therefore, it is concluded that alexithymia significantly influences on body dissatisfaction, and thus may act as a risk factor for development in diseases such as anorexia and bulimia.

Funcionamiento familiar como predictor de la alexitimia de acuerdo al índice de masa corporal / Family functioning as a predictor of alexithymia according to body mass index

Resumen La alexitimia es un trastorno cognitivo-afectivo que ocasiona una deficiencia en la capacidad de identificar, describir y expresar sentimientos (Sifneos, 1973); se relaciona con entornos familiares disfuncionales, como el involucramiento de los padres en las necesidades emocionales de sus hijos (Kind y Mallinckrodt, 2000). A partir de este planteamiento, el objetivo de la investigación fue determinar si el funcionamiento familiar predice la alexitimia en personas con índice de masa corporal (IMC) de normopeso, sobrepeso y obesidad. Colaboraron de manera voluntaria 428 participantes adultos de la Ciudad de México (Medad = 40 años, DE = 7.8) que respondieron la Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (Bagby, Parker y Taylor, 1994), la Escala de Funcionamiento Familiar (García-Méndez et al., 2006) y reportaron su talla y peso para obtener su IMC. Se realizaron análisis de regresión lineal paso a paso y los resultados sugirieron que, en las personas con sobrepeso y obesidad, las dimensiones del funcionamiento familiar cohesión/reglas y hostilidad/evitación del conflicto eran predictoras de la alexitimia. En los normopesos, los predictores fueron el mando/problemas en la expresión de sentimientos y la hostilidad/evitación del conflicto. Estos resultados son un indicador de que las relaciones familiares disfuncionales facilitan la presencia de comportamientos relacionados con la alexitimia.

Abstract Alexithymia is a cognitive-affective disorder that causes a deficiency in the ability to identify, describe and express feelings (Sifneos, 1973), is related with familiar environment dysfunctional, as the involvement of the parents in the emotional needs of their children (Kind & Mallinckrodt, 2000). From this approach, the goal of the research was to determine if family functioning predicts alexithymia in persons with Body Mass Index (BMI) of normal weight, overweight and obesity. 428 collaborated voluntarily. Participated adults living in the Mexico City(M = 40 years, SD = 7.8) who responded to the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Bagby, Parker & Taylor, 1994), Scale of Family Functioning (Garcia Mendez et al., 2006) and reported their height and weight to get their BMI. Analysis of stepwise linear regression were performed and the results suggest that in people with overweight and obesity, factors cohesion/rules and hostility/avoidance conflict are predictors of alexithymia. In normoweight, forecasters were command/problems in expressing feelings and cohesion/rules. These results show clearly that dysfunctional relationships facilitate the presence of behaviours related to alexithymia.

Competencia y compartimiento emocional en usuarios de cocaína: Psicometría y relación con variables sociodemográficas y clínicas / Emotional competence and magazine in cocaine users: Psychometrics and relationship with sociodemographic and clinical variables

INTRODUCCIÓN: Existe evidencia de relación entre factores emocionales y el consumo de drogas. Sin embargo, al menos la competencia emocional y el compartimiento social de las emociones en usuarios de cocaína no han sido estudiados con anterioridad, en parte debido a la reciente generación de las herramientas para su medición. OBJETIVO: Evaluar las características psicométricas de la Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (EAT), el Cuestionario de Competencias Emocionales (CEMO), y el Cuestionario de Creencias sobre los efectos de Compartimiento Social de Emociones (CCSE) en pacientes mexicanos usuarios de cocaína, así como establecer su relación con variables socio-demográficas y clínicas. MÉTODO: Los instrumentos fueron completados junto con las Escalas de Afectividad Positiva (AP) y Negativa (AN) en dos ocasiones por 158 pacientes usuarios de cocaína. RESULTADOS: Las tres escalas mostraron coeficientes alpha superiores a .70. La EAT y el CEMO presentaron alta estabilidad temporal a quince días. La AN se asoció positivamente con la EAT y negativamente con el CEMO. La AP se correlacionó negativamente con la EAT y positivamente con el CEMO y el CCSE. El 50.9% de los pacientes presentaron una dificultad relevante en la identificación y la expresión de sus emociones, que se relacionó de forma negativa con la escolaridad. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN: Se sugiere necesaria la sistematización de la evaluación y el tratamiento de las dificultades en la expresión emocional de usuarios de cocaína. Las versiones en español de las escalas evaluadas en este estudio resultaron válidas y confiables para su uso clínico y de investigación en pacientes mexicanos usuarios de cocaína.

INTRODUCTION: Current evidence suggests a relationship between emotional factors and drugs consumption, although at least both emotional competence and social magazine of emotions have not been studied in cocaine users, in part due to the recent generation of tools for their measure. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Emotional Competence Questionnaire (ECQ), and the Questionnaire about Beliefs in the effects of the Social Magazine of Emotions (QSME) in Mexican cocaine users, and to establish its relationship with socio-demographic and clinical variables. METHOD: All instruments, as well as the Positive Affectivity (PA) and Negative Affectivity (NA) Scales, were completed twice by 158 cocaine users. RESULTS: All scales showed alpha coefficients greater than .70. The TAS and ECQ presented high temporal stability. NA was positively associated with TAS, and negatively with ESQ. PA showed a negative correlation with TAS, and a positive relation with ECQ and QSME. 50.9% of the patients had a relevant difficulty in identifying and expressing their emotions, which was negatively correlated with schooling. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A systematic evaluation and treatment of difficulties in the expression of emotions in cocaine users seems to be necessary. The Spanish versions of the scales are valid and reliable for their use with clinical and research purposes in Mexican cocaine users.