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Seyedoshohadaee M, Tajik M, Haghani S. Alexithymia and Its Relationship With Anxiety in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis. JCCNC 2026; 12 (2) :165-176
URL: http://jccnc.iums.ac.ir/article-1-884-en.html

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Individuals with MS exhibit higher levels of psychological disorders compared to those without the disease. Among the most common of these disorders are anxiety and alexithymia. Few studies, especially in Iran, have explored these states in MS patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and anxiety in people with MS. 
Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study was conducted among 265 individuals referring to the Iran MS Society in Tehran, selected using a continuous sampling method from June to August 2024. Data collection tools used included a sociodemographic information form, the Toronto alexithymia scale-20 (TAS-20), and the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI). Pearson’s correlation coefficients, independent samples t-tests, and analysis of variance were utilized for data analysis using SPSS version 16. The significance level in all tests was considered to be P<0.05. 
Results: The mean alexithymia score in this population was (60.16±18.8) indicating a high prevalence of alexithymia in individuals with MS. A significant proportion of the participants experienced severe anxiety level (41.5%). Statistical analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between alexithymia and its subscales with the level of anxiety (P<0.001), meaning that with an increase in the alexithymia score and its subscales, the anxiety score also increases. Alexithymia demonstrated a correlation with education level (P=0.012), a direct relationship with the age at the time of MS diagnosis (P=0.021), and an inverse relationship with the time passed since MS diagnosis (P=0.031). Anxiety levels were associated with gender (more prevalent in women; P=0.011), employment status (P=0.047), and MS type (P=0.02).
Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, the healthcare team is suggested to prioritize the recognition of MS symptoms and use strategies to improve the mental health of patients with MS.