The Relationship Between Emotional Dysregulation, Alexithymia and Somatization in Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Batuhan Ayık, Alper Baş, Nazife Gamze Usta Sağlam, Filiz İzci
Abstract
Objective: Emotional dysregulation is a basic feature found in patients with bipolar disorder. It was also reported that higher alexithymia scores are a predictive factor for a decrease in social functionality. It is known that patients with bipolar disorder experience more somatic symptoms than the general population. No study has yet been conducted on the interrelation of these 3 clinical domains, which are known to negatively affect the functionality and quality of life in bipolar disorder patients. Methods: This study included 72 bipolar disorder-1 patients. The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale was used to determine the emotional state of the patients, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale was used to determine the alexithymia scores, and the Somatization Scale was used to determine the somatization scores. Results: < .001). Conclusion: This study found that ED predicted alexithymia and somatization in euthymic bipolar patients. The therapeutic approaches targeting these 3 clinical domains that negatively affect patients' quality of life and functionality may provide positive clinical outcomes.