what's the term to mean: can't express how one feels

[MedicinePowder]

i remember reading that sometimes in depressed patients, patients can not express their feelings--that they know they don't feel right but they just can't put it into words. anyone know the term for that? i can't seem to find it. thanx

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[PublicHealth]

i remember reading that sometimes in depressed patients, patients can not express their feelings--that they know they don't feel right but they just can't put it into words. anyone know the term for that? i can't seem to find it. thanx

Alexithymia.

Here's some general information: http://www.alexithymia.info/

Another article on the overlap between alexithymia and some DSM-IV diagnoses: http://psy.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/42/3/235

By the way, this condition is not recognized by the DSM. There is no "official" psychiatric diagnosis of alexithymia.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Alexithymia.

...
By the way, this condition is not recognized by the DSM. There is no "official" psychiatric diagnosis of alexithymia.

Just as there is no "official" diagnosis of hallucinations.

Alexithymia is not a diagnosis, but a sign observed on the mental status exam.

 

[MedicinePowder]

yea, that's the word that i was going nutz looking for. thanx. had an interesting patient present in my family medicine clerkship with alexithymia. at the time, i was paralyzed as to how to proceed since usally patients tell you whats wrong.