AB0571 Factors related to alexithymia in systemic lupus erythematosus. (12th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Basta, F.; Margiotta, D.P.E.; Dolcini, G.; Batani, V.; Vernuccio, A.; Vadacca, M.; Afeltra, A.
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 77(2018)Supplement 2
• Page Start: 1439
• Page End: 1439
• Publication Date: 2018-06-12
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-eular.4605
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Alexithymia describes the difficults of people in identifying, differentiating and articulating emotions of others and themselves and in discriminating those from bodily sensations, with a limited fantasy and a concrete, externally oriented cognitive style. 1 A high prevalence of alexithymia has been found in patients with a variety of health conditions, including SLE. 2 Previous authors identified mood states 2 and quality of life 3 as the main factors related to alexithymia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Objectives: Aim of our study was to assess the impact of clinical, immunological, psycho-social factors on the presence of alexithymia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Methods: We consecutively enrolled 104 patients in a cross-sectional study. Alexithymia was assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia scale (TAS-20). We also evaluated symptoms of mood disorders using BDI and HAM-H, quality of life using MOS-SF36, sleep disorders with PSQI and physical activity using IPAQ. Results: The mean (standard deviation) TAS-20 score was 49.5 (15.6). The prevalence of alexithymia (TAS-20 ≥61) was 28%. Alexithymic patients (TAS-20 ≥61) were significantly older (p 0.0005), presented more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms (p<0.0001), a higher score of sleep disorders (p<0.0001), a reduced Facit-Fatigue score (p 0.0007), reduced SF-36 mental and physical component summary scores (p 0.0001 and 0.004) and increased daily sedentary time (p 0.002). In the multiple logistic regression analysis the variables associated to the presence of alexithymia were age (OR 1.07, p 0.02) and the score of depressive symptoms (OR 1.15, p 0.02). Conclusions: About a third of SLE patients presented a dysfunctional processing of emotion. It is necessary to carefully consider the symptoms of mood disorders to optimise SLE patient management. References: [1] Taylor GJ, Bagby RM. Measurement of alexithymia. Recommendations for clinical practice and future research. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 1988Sep;11(3):351–66 [2] Vadacca M, Bruni R, Terminio N, Sambataro G, Margiotta D, Serino FM, Afeltra A. Alexithymia, mood states and pain experience in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2014;33(10):1443–50.3. [3] Barbosa F, Mota C, Alves M, Alcântara C, Rossiñol B, Patrício P, Barbosa A, Ferreira C. Alexithymia in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009Sep;1173:227–34 Disclosure of Interest: None declared