Association Between Alexithymia, Sexual Dysfunctions, and Dyadic Adjustment in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

Background : Chronic mental disorders can adversely affect sexual functioning and dyadic adjustment. This study aimed to examine the relationship between alexithymia, sexual dysfunctions, and dyadic adjustment by comparing patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to healthy controls. Methods : This research involved 72 patients with OCD and 82 healthy controls who had similar sociodemographic characteristics to the patients. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) were applied to the participants. Results : Patients with OCD had significantly higher mean total scores on the TAS-20 and ASEX scales compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001 for both). The median total and subscale scores of the DAS were significantly lower in patients with OCD than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the total scores of the TAS-20 and ASEX in patients with OCD. There was a negative correlation between the total score of the TAS-20 and both the total and subscale scores of the DAS (p < 0.05 for each). Conclusion : The results of the study suggest that patients with OCD exhibit higher levels of alexithymic traits, poorer sexual functioning, and lower dyadic adjustment compared to the healthy population. Additionally, the presence of alexithymia in patients with OCD is linked to reduced dyadic adjustment and sexual functioning. Evaluating alexithymic traits in patients with OCD and implementing appropriate treatment approaches may help these patients improve their social and familial functioning.