Emotionally Dumb

Book excerpt: Alexithymia is an inability to identify and describe both one's own, and other people's emotions. Although individuals with alexithymia display the typical physical responses associated with emotions - such as tears, butterflies in the stomach or an increased heart rate - they are unable to recognize these responses in terms of the emotions they might be signifying. Emotionally Dumb describes the nature of alexithymia and includes therapeutic and self-help suggestions for overcoming some of the difficulties that alexithymia presents. The author discusses the possible causes and associated conditions, including Asperger Syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder. The book provides details of the diagnostic tests available and includes an informal questionnaire, developed by the author, for people who believe they may have alexithymia. Written in accessible language, this book is ideal both for professionals and for anyone with an interest in the subject.