The effect of alexithymia on functioning and perceived social support after a manic episode

The effect of alexithymia on functioning and perceived social support after a manic episode B D (bipolar disorder) is a mood disorder characterized by mood swings.The diagnostic criterion for bipolar disorder, previously called manic-depressive disorder, is to have at least one hypomanic or manic attack and at least one major depressive episode, in accordance with the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5 th edition) criteria. [1]Major depressive episodes are associated with symptoms such as a lack of energy, an inability to enjoy life, and an inability to look at the future with hope.On the other hand, manic attacks are characterized by grandiosity, rapid speech, flight of ideas, irritable mood, and risky behaviors. [2]though there is no definitive information about the etiology of bipolar disorder, it is thought that multiple factors are effective.When the research is reviewed, the disruption of chemical balance in the brain, environmental stressors, hereditary factors, childhood traumas, some neurotransmitters, and drugs are considered the most important factors. [2][3][4] Different data are available on the incidence of bipolar disorder, and it is observed at a rate of 1.0% to 3.3% in the world according to the World Health Organization. [5]Together with its subtypes, BD has a lifetime prevalence of up to 7.8%. [6]The recurrence rate of this disease within two years is around 60%. [7,8] There are var- Objectives:The aim of this study was to examine the correlation of alexithymia, functioning, and perceived social support in patients after a manic episode.Methods: Sample selection was not carried out in this descriptive study, and 267 patients who met the inclusion criteria constituted the sample.Data collection was performed via face-to-face interviews using the Personal Information Form, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire (BDFQ), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).The data were analyzed using the SPSS program.Results: It was determined that 19.5% (n=52) of the patients included in the study were alexithymic.A significant negative correlation was identified between alexithymia and perceived social support (r=-0.313;p<0.05) and functioning (r=-0.467;p<0.05), and a significant positive correlation was found between functioning and perceived social support (r=0.504; p<0.05).According to linear regression analysis, the alexithymia scores of the participants explained 22% of the variance in their functioning scores (R=0.218,F=73.797, p<0.001, 95% CI: 0.399-0.250),and alexithymia scores explained 10% of the variance in perceived social support scores (R=0.098,F=28.880, p<0.001, 95% CI: 0.308-0.143). Conclusion:This study found that functioning and perceived social support decreased as alexithymia increased in post-manic patients.Functioning and perceived social support affect each other in the same direction.Interventions aimed at reducing alexithymia in patients after manic episodes may be useful in preventing episodes by maintaining functionality and increasing perceived social support.