Sexual experiences, exaggeration of physical senses and alexithymia in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

Aim: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic illness associated with physical discomfort. Evaluation of the accompanying mental illnesses and adding them to the treatment process will contribute positively to the healing process of the patients. Our study sought to add to the body of literature concerning mental health issues in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis. Material and Methods: The research was a cross-sectional and observational study and a total of 54 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and 51 healthy controls were included in the study. The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Physical Senses Exaggeration Scale were administered to the participants. Results: When comparing the scale scores between the patient and control groups, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale total score (p= 0.002), Exaggeration of Physical Senses Scale total score (p= 0.006), Toronto Alexithymia Scale total score (p<0.001), Toronto Alexithymia Difficulty Identifying Feelings (p<0.001), Toronto Alexithymia Difficulty Describing Feeling (p<0.001) and Toronto Alexithymia Externally-Oriented Thinking (p<0.001) subscale scores of the patient group were significantly higher than the control group. However, no significant correlation was found between the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Global Score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (p>0.05). Conclusion: In the study, it was discovered that patients with ankylosing spondylitis exhibited worse sexual functions, higher levels of alexithymia, and exaggerated levels of physical sensations compared to the healthy control group. Ankylosing spondylitis also negatively affects the quality of life psychologically. Psychiatric pathologies should not be ignored in the follow-up of these patiens