The presence of alexithymia investigated by the TAS-20 in chronic urticaria patients: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE

Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU), conventionally defined as the occurrence of widespread itchy weals lasting for at least six weeks, has a significant place among the dermatoses related to psychological factors. Emotions that cannot be expressed or elaborated, may be important in the etiology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with CIU and compare them in terms of alexithymia.

METHODS

Forty consecutive subjects with chronic urticaria were recruited from an outpatient allergologic clinic. All of the subjects completed Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Rorschach Inkblot Test according with Comprehensive System modified by Maurizio Cuffaro administration rules and the Family Drawing Test by Corman.

RESULTS

CIU patients had higher alexithymia levels (p < .05) on comparison to the normal population. There was also a positive correlation between CIU patients and the presence of depressant characteristics as evaluated by Rorschach Inkblot Test and Family Drawing Test.

DISCUSSION: CIU, a severe and chronic dermatological problem, may be related to affect-regulation, particularly alexithymia. Individuals with CIU might benefit from learning how to regulate their emotions other than by medical treatments.