Alexithymia and Depression in Spouse of Persons with Alcohol Dependence

Abstract

The present investigation has been aimed at to assess the level of alexithymia among personas with alcohol dependence and their spouses. A sample of 120 subjects was recruited for the study as per the inclusion criteria of the present study. The following tools were administered on the sample: Beck’s Depression Inventory-II, Addiction Severity Index, Toronto Alexithymia Scale and General Health Questionnaire-12. Appropriate statistical techniques were applied to analyze the data. The findings of the study indicates that the level of alexithymia in persons with alcohol dependence and spouse of persons with alcohol dependence higher than normal healthy controls and their spouses. The presence of such phenomenon along with depression affects the therapeutic outcomes negatively. It is also concluded that Alexithymia is a clinical construct and personality trait found in alcohol dependent persons and their spouses.