Alexithymia, depression, anxiety and asthma control relationships

Introduction and objectives. - It is increasingly recognized today that certain psychological factors can influence somatic health and chronic disease control. The main objective of this study was to better understand the relationships and effects of psychological factors such as alexithymia, depression and anxiety on the occurrence of asthma symptoms and exacerbation. Methods. - In the context of this study, which is a mixed approach including quantitative and qualitative methods, 70 asthmatics (82% female, mean age 54 +/- 13.7 years) responded to a series of questionnaires for the assessment of asthma (the Asthma Control Test: ACT), of alexithymia (the Twenty- Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale: TAS-20), of depression and anxiety (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: HADS). Two drawing tests (one of a tree and one of the person him/herself) were also given to them. Results. - The main results show a greater occurrence of anxiety and depressive disorders in asthmatics who are alexithymic, compared to those who have no difficulty expressing and verbalizing their emotions. In addition, asthma control is less satisfactory in alexithymic patients, as well as for those with a severe anxiety disorder. Conclusions. - The results of this study suggest that psychological and emotional factors should be given greater consideration in the care and management of asthma patients. They constitute real aggravating factors for asthma and can compromise the successful control of the disease. @ 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.