ALEXITHYMia and psychopathology in women seekING help for an eating disorder
Alexithymia has been associated with eating disorders. The present study examines relationships between alexithymia, problematic eating behaviours and psychopathology. One hundred thirty four women completed online questionnaire assessing alexithymia, problematic eating attitudes and behaviours, self-esteem, perfectionism and depressive symptoms. Results show that participants with higher alexithymia scores reported a significantly higher eating symptomatology and were at higher risk of psychopathology. Linear regressions reveal that depressive symptoms significantly predict the degree of alexithymia and alexithymia predicts compensatory behaviours. The study findings suggest that alexithymia should be more systematically evaluated and treated in individuals seeking help for eating problems.