ALEXITHYMIA AND INTERPERSONAL FUNCTIONING

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The purpose of this study was to explore the use of a group programme in the treatment of alexithymia and to understand the role such a programme might play in addressing the interpersonal difficulties associated with the condition. The group programme used a combination of techniques from a cognitive behavioural (psycho-education) and psychodynamic orientation. The aim was to devise an approach that would have a positive impact on individuals' abilities to identify and describe emotions, as well as on their level of comfort in communicating with others, while also keeping treatment duration to within a manageable time-frame. Thirty-two participants who met the criteria for alexithymia in the borderline or clinical range, as measured by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, were randomly allocated to a treatment or waitlist condition. Compared to participants in the waitlist condition, the results showed that participants who completed the group treatment programme were better able to identify and describe their emotions and were more comfortable in communicating their feelings to others. These results were maintained at a 3-month follow-up.