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  • Title: Alexithymia in multiple sclerosis: relationship with fatigue and depression.
    Author: Bodini B, Mandarelli G, Tomassini V, Tarsitani L, Pestalozza I, Gasperini C, Lenzi GL, Pancheri P, Pozzilli C.
    Journal: Acta Neurol Scand; 2008 Jul; 118(1):18-23. PubMed ID: 18162056.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of alexithymia in a sample of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to further evaluate the association between alexithymia and the occurrence of common disabling MS-related symptoms such as fatigue and depression. METHODS: Fifty-eight relapsing-remitting MS patients treated with interferon (IFN)-beta-1a underwent a complete neurological evaluation, including Expanded Disability Status Scale score assessment. Alexithymia, depressive symptoms and fatigue were assessed using the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Fatigue Severity Scale. RESULTS: Prevalence of alexithymia was 13.8%, with 27.6% of patients presenting borderline alexithymia. Sixty-seven per cent of the patients complained of fatigue while 29.3% of them were depressed. Higher levels of fatigue and depression were found in alexithymic patients when compared with non-alexithymic patients. Results from logistic regressions showed that alexithymia significantly contributes to the severity of fatigue and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Alexithymia was associated with increased severity of fatigue and depression.
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