Alexithymia and symptom formation.

In regard to its clinical descriptive aspects the concept of alexithymia is based on a broad consensus of the investigators. However, with respect to its etiopathogenesis (hereditary, neurophysiological, sociogenic, psychogenic) and its relevance for the formation and maintenance of psychosomatic symptoms, this concept is controversial and unclear. In this context the psychodynamic aspects which are under discussion for the development and maintenance of alexithymic behavior are reported particularly from an object relations point of view. Some resulting principles for a possible psychotherapy of these patients are finally presented.