In the diverse world of neurodivergence, the word “alexithymia” is a lesser-known term. It is typically overshadowed by more recognized conditions such as autism or attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder, with which alexithymia is often comorbid. Alexithymia plays an important role in shaping an individual’s emotional experience. As you read on, you will realize the light being shed on the intricacies of alexithymia and the importance of acknowledging ways to navigate with proper strategies.
By Sophia Yamini
Alexithymia is a term coined in the 1970s by the psychotherapist Peter Sifneos, which refers to a difficulty in recognizing, comprehending, and displaying one’s own emotions. Individuals with alexithymia may struggle to identify particular emotions within themselves, usually describing their feelings in ambiguous terms or physical sensations rather than using emotional terms. This obstacle extends beyond self-awareness and includes hardships in understanding the emotions of other individuals. Some key characteristics of alexithymia that we should carefully consider are as follows:
Difficulty identifying emotions: People with alexithymia may have difficulties recognizing and differentiating between various emotions. This may lead to a sense of confusion and stress, making it hard to respond appropriately to certain situations.
Limited emotional vocabulary: One of the markers of alexithymia is limited emotional terminology. People may find it difficult to articulate the nuances of their feelings, resorting to general terms like “good” or “bad” to describe feelings.