Do I Have Alexithymia (Emotional Blindness)?

Find out if you truly understand your feelings!

Alexithymia is a personality trait where a person can't quite identify, understand, or express their emotions, which can make it hard to relate to and communicate with others. Research suggests that about 10% of all people have some degree of alexithymia, so it's time to find out: are you part of that 10%?[1]

Answer a few simple questions about your experiences, and we'll tell you whether it seems like you have alexithymia or not.

(Disclaimer: This quiz isn't a diagnostic tool and shouldn't be used as one. We can help point you in the right direction, but alexithymia is best identified by a trained clinical professional, so see a licensed therapist or psychologist for more help.)

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Questions Overview

1. Has anyone ever told you that you seem distant, closed-off, or hard to read?
  1. Yes, all the time.
  2. Now and then, but not too often.
  3. Not really.
  4. I don't remember.
2. Do you feel uncomfortable when others talk about their emotions and feelings?
  1. Yes, extremely. I can't relate and feel lost.
  2. Somewhat. It's awkward, but I get through it.
  3. Not really. I sympathize and understand.
3. Has a book, movie, video game, song, or other work of art ever brought you to tears?
  1. Yes, often.
  2. Sure, sometimes.
  3. No, or not that I can remember.
4. Have you ever had a "heart-to-heart " conversation with someone?
  1. Yes, many times. I seek out these conversations.
  2. Now and then. They happen occasionally.
  3. Rarely. These conversations are difficult for me.
  4. Not really. I try to avoid them.
5. Do you feel a strong difference between anger and irritation?
  1. Yes, they're clearly different in my head.
  2. Somewhat. They're different but often overlap.
  3. Not really. They feel similar to me, or the same.
  4. No. I'm not sure what either feels like exactly.
6. Do you have any other conditions that might affect your emotions or thinking, like a head injury, depression, or autism?
  1. Yes.
  2. No.
  3. I'm not sure, or not that I know of.
7. Are you ever confused by bodily sensations? For example, does your heart ever race for unknown reasons? Do you get goosebumps, shivers, or aches you can't explain?
  1. Yes, frequently!
  2. Sure, sometimes.
  3. Rarely.
  4. Never.
8. Do you relate to any of these? Select all that apply.
  1. I have trouble telling what other people are thinking or feeling.
  2. I struggle to explain my own thoughts or actions.
  3. I rely on logical thinking more than emotional reasoning.
  4. I have trouble getting close to or relating to others.
  5. I sometimes miss common bodily cues like hunger and thirst.
  6. There's not much middle ground to my emotions. It's all or nothing.
  7. None of these.
9. Do other people's actions or reactions ever confuse you?
  1. All the time. It's hard to follow their reasoning.
  2. Sometimes, but I get that people are complicated, you know?
  3. No. I can usually pick up on the reasons why people do the things they do.
10. If we asked you to explain why you like your best friend or a close family member, would you find that difficult?
  1. Yes, extremely. I know I like them, but don't ask me why.
  2. Somewhat. It's a little hard for me to explain, but I'd give it a shot.
  3. Not really. I could easily point to specific reasons.
11. Why are you taking this quiz?
  1. I know I have trouble with emotions and want answers.
  2. I think I have alexithymia, but want a second opinion.
  3. I want to make sure I don't have alexithymia.
  4. Just for fun.

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What is alexithymia?

What is alexithymia?
Alexithymia is a personality trait defined by a person's inability to identify, express, and regulate their emotions. Literally, alexithymia means "no words for emotions." Someone with alexithymia has trouble labeling and talking about their emotions. Critically, alexithymia is not considered a disorder or disease, but a personality trait.[2]


What causes alexithymia?
Research on the causes of alexithymia is still ongoing, but evidence suggests it may be genetic. Other times, it may arise from a person's circumstances or emotional development. In many cases, it may be the result of a traumatic brain injury or a symptom of a disorder like depression, or a condition like autism.[3]


How do you treat alexithymia?
Alexithymia may most effectively be treated by a therapist or psychologist, particularly through cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying emotions and thought patterns and acting on their recognition in order to build new thought patterns.
At home, experts recommend creative activities like reading fiction, which can help build empathy, or journaling, which can help you get more acquainted with your own thoughts and feelings. Other creative activities, like drawing, music, or sculpting, can also be valuable creative outlets that help you explore emotions and one day find words for them.[4]


Where did alexithymia come from?
The trait has been studied for many, many years, but it was first named and described in detail in about 1972 by US psychiatrist John Case Nemiah and Peter Emanuel Sifenos.[5]


For more info on alexithymia, check out these resources:

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/alexithymia
  2. ↑ https://medicine.iu.edu/blogs/women-in-medicine/cant-name-feelings-alexithymia
  3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/alexithymia
  4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/alexithymia
  5. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7005782/