Alexithymia and anxiety sensitivity in panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Am J Psychiatry. 1993 Apr;150(4):658-60. doi: 10.1176/ajp.150.4.658.

Abstract

The authors compared scores on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index of 27 patients with panic disorder and 31 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Results suggest that patients with panic disorder constrict emotional experience, thereby reducing the likelihood of their experiencing physiological symptoms that accompany affect.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affective Symptoms / diagnosis
  • Affective Symptoms / psychology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology*
  • Fear
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / psychology
  • Panic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Panic Disorder / psychology
  • Personality Inventory*
  • Sex Factors