Alexithymia in atopic dermatitis. Results of a case-control study with 62 adult atopic dermatitis patients

The study shows correlations between atopic dermatitis (AD) and alexithymia. Furthermore it examines their influences on skin-related quality of life. A total of 62 adult AD patients were compared with a control group (n=62) of skin healthy persons. Alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, TAS-20) and impairment of the skin-related quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index, DLQI) were assessed as well as duration, severity [patients' self-evaluation based on scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD)] and onset of AD. The prevalence of alexithymia (TAS-20 a parts per thousand yen61) in AD patients was 22.6% (control group 4.9%). Problems with identifying feelings (TAS-20 scale) and also the severity of AD were significant predictors for the impairment of skin-related quality of life. Atopic dermatitis patients showed a prevalence of alexithymia (22.6%) similar to diseases found in the field of psychosomatic and psychiatric patients (Leweke & Bausch 2009). From a psychotherapeutic point of view the study may provide a further reason for the observance of mental features in AD treatment. A possible indication for a specific psychotherapy in atopic dermatitis is discussed.