Examining Alexithymia and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder across Different Levels of Chronic Pain in Patients

Aims: The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between alexithymia and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among patients experiencing varying degrees of Chronic Pain (CP). Method and Materials: This study utilized a descriptive causal-comparative approach. The participants were drawn from patients referred to pain and physiotherapy clinics in Tehran from ۲۰۲۲ to ۲۰۲۳. Out of ۳۰۰ CP patients, ۱۵۰ patients with high CP levels and an equal number with low CP levels were purposively chosen. The participants completed the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS), Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ), and Post- traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL). Data analysis was performed using SPSS-۲۴ software, employing multivariate analysis of variance. Findings: The findings revealed a significant difference in the levels of alexithymia and PTSD between the two groups (P<۰.۰۰۱). Patients with high levels of CP demonstrated increased negative-difficulty identifying feelings (F=۲۴۱.۸۷), positive-difficulty identifying feelings (F=۳۸۹.۰۱), negative-difficulty describing feelings (F=۱۹۰.۶۱), positive-difficulty describing feelings (F=۳۴۷.۸۱), general-externally orientated thinking (F=۳۷۶.۲۸), re- experiencing (F=۲۴۶.۷۵), avoidance (F=۱۰۰.۷۴), negative alterations (F=۳۷۸.۰۱), hyper-arousal (F=۳۸۸.۴۶), and emotional numbness (F=۳۸۸.۴۷) compared to their counterparts(P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: These findings underscore the intricate relationship between CP, alexithymia, and PTSD. Therefore, the need for comprehensive assessment and management strategies addressing the interplay of these factors in patient care is highlighted.

کلیدواژه ها:

Alexithymia ، Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ، Chronic Pain (CP) ، Pain Measurement ، Pain Management