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P01-195 - Alexithymia, Somatic Complaints and Depressive Symptoms in a Sample of Italian Adolescents: Preliminary Results of a One-year Longitudinal Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 April 2020

D. De Berardis
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti NHS, Department of Mental Health, Teramo
N. Serroni
Affiliation:
NHS, Department of Mental Health, Teramo
D. Campanella
Affiliation:
NHS, Department of Mental Health, Teramo
F.S. Moschetta
Affiliation:
NHS, Department of Mental Health, Teramo
C. Ranalli
Affiliation:
NHS, Department of Mental Health, Teramo
L. Olivieri
Affiliation:
NHS, Department of Mental Health, Teramo
M. Caltabiano
Affiliation:
NHS, Department of Mental Health, Teramo
M. Farano
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti
M.C. Di Filippo
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti
C. Silvestrini
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti
V. Russo
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti
E. Totaro
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti
A. Carano
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti NHS, Department of Mental Health, Civitanova Marche, Rome, Italy
R.M. Salerno
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti
M. Cavuto
Affiliation:
Istituto Abruzzese di Storia Musicale, L’Aquila, Rome, Italy
G. Martinotti
Affiliation:
Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
L. Janiri
Affiliation:
Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
G. Di Iorio
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti
M. Alessandrini
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti
M. Di Giannantonio
Affiliation:
University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti

Abstract

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Objective

To evaluate relationships between alexithymia, somatic complaints and depressive symptoms in a non-clinical sample of school-aged Italian adolescents.

Methods

A mixed male-female sample of 168 school-aged adolescents with a mean age of 15.8 years was investigated with self-reported rating scales. Scales were: Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Symptom Checklist 90 - Somatization Subscale (SCL-90-SOM), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Rosemberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES). Subjects were evaluated at three times: at the beginning (T0), at the middle (T1) and at the end (T2) of the scholastic year.

Results

30 subjects (17.9%) were categorized as alexithymics and, overall, showed greater psychological distress than non-alexithymics. Alexithymia levels remained stable during the time as well as the number of alexithymics. Alexithymics were more suitable to develop more severe depressive symptoms. Results of a linear regression supported the notion that depressive symptoms at endpoint were significantly associated with female sex, DIF subscale of TAS-20 and higher SCL-90-SOM scores.

Conclusions

Alexithymia, depressive symptoms and somatic complaints appeared to be highly correlated in adolescence.

Type
Child and adolescent psychiatry
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2010

References

Sepede, G., Gambi, F., De Berardis, D., et al.Il fenomeno della somatizzazione ed il vissuto depressivo in adolescenza. Ital J Psychopathol 2004; 10: 343348Google Scholar
De Berardis, D., Campanella, D., Gambi, F., et al.Alexithymia, fear of bodily sensations, and somatosensory amplification in young outpatients with panic disorder. Psychosomatics 2007; 48: 239246CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
De Berardis, D., Carano, A., Gambi, F., et al.Alexithymia and its relationships with body checking and body image in a non-clinical female sample. Eat Behav 2007; 8: 296304CrossRefGoogle Scholar
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