Alexithymia and its relationship to hemispheric specialization, affect, and creativity

Abstract

This article attempts to demonstrate the relations of alexithymia (no words for emotions) to hemispheric specialization and affect. In addition, it also points to alexithymia as a deficiency in the area of human feelings, and as such of being the opposite of creativity. The terms "affect," "emotion," and "feeling" are defined, and possible etiologic factors of the phenomenon of alexithymia are discussed, with special reference to primary and secondary alexithymia. The article concludes with a presentation of the kinds of therapeutic interventions that might be offered to alexithymic individuals, as well as with an appeal for an integration of scientific and clinical investigations.