The relationship between alexithymia and frontal lobe function in patients with schizophrenia: a preliminary report

Abstract

Purpose: Cognitive functions in schizophrenia have been reported to be reliable predictors and correlates of psychosocial skill and community outcome. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship with frontal functions in patients with schizophrenia to alexithymia dimensions, which is before the onset of clinical signs of deterioration as an indicator. Material and Methods: This study was conducted with patients who were treated as outpatients in Erenkoy Mental and Nervous Diseases Training and Research Hospital Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia Outpatient Clinic. The data collection form, Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale were administered to 152 patients with schizophrenia who accepted to participate in this study. Results: Of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia alexithymia total score and subscale scores, frontal function and in their relations with sub-scale, was observed level of significance of all relationships. This relationship, after taking control of demographic and clinical variables was observed in the proceeding. Conclusion: It is observed that the alexithymia has effects on the frontal functions of patients with schizophrenia. This mediated effect is related with the clinic of schizophrenia. [Cukurova Med J 2015; 40(1.000): 80-85]

Keywords

• schizophrenia
• alexithymia
• frontal assessment