Alexithymia and Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review.
Loading...
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The term alexithymia is a complex multidimensional construct that literally means “no words for mood”. There are two kind of alexithymia: primary and secondary or otherwise called trait and state alexithymia. There is still an unresolved debate about the nature of alexithymia as a trait or a state. The etiology of alexithymia has not been completely determined because of the numerous factors influencing its development. Alexithymia has been observed among patients with a variety of psychiatric disorders and medical conditions. The aim of this systematic review was to review studies investigating the correlations between alexithymia, depression and anxiety in breast cancer surgery women. Literature search was conducted in January, 2016. PubMed and Scopus databases were used to find studies for inclusion in the systematic review. Correlations between alexithymia, depression and anxiety evidenced that alexithymia may be considered a stable personality trait and an important factor to the development of anxiety symptoms. However, limitations of these studies must be considered and further investigations are needed.
Description
Keywords
Alexithymia, breast cancer, surgery, women, state, trait, anxiety, depression
Citation
Berardis Domenico De, Marini Stefano, Iasevoli Felice, Mazza Monica, Valchera Alessandro, Fornaro Michele, Perna Giampaolo, Orsolini Laura, Carano Alessandro, Girinelli Gabriella, Vellante Federica, Matarazzo Ilaria, Serroni Nicola, Cavuto Marilde, Martinotti Giovanni, Brucchi Maurizio, Giannantonio Massimo Di. Alexithymia and Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review.British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research. 2016; 15(11): 1-11.