Alexithymia and chronic respiratory disease. A review of current research.

Alexithymia within a chronic respiratory illness population has been given considerable attention in the psychiatric/psychological literature over the course of the past 5 years. Various observations as to the alexithymic trait within the chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, chronic bronchitis/emphysema, and tuberculosis) have revealed significant findings as to the manner in which alexithymia manifests itself and impacts on chronic respiratory disease. The present paper reviews the literature on alexithymia that has emanated from National Jewish Hospital and Research Center/National Asthma Center and raises questions for future research as regards alexithymia in chronic respiratory diseases.