Some people face challenges describing or identifying emotions due to a personality trait called alexithymia. The condition, which means “the inability to express emotion through words,” has attracted the attention of psychologists and scientists due to its significant impact on physical and mental health. A team of researchers, including Professor Yazmín Hernández-Díaz and Dr. Alma Genis-Mendoza, reviewed scientific research to reveal whether genes play a role in this condition. Their study, published in the journal Genes, sheds light on the biology behind alexithymia.
Professors Hernández-Díaz and Dr. Genis-Mendoza’s team analyzed studies involving large populations. They focus on genetic research exploring serotonin pathways, systems that regulate mood and mood, brain chemicals, and other biological processes. Professor Hernández-Díaz said, “Most of the alexithymia genes and polymorphisms in this study belong to serotonergic pathway and neurotransmitter metabolism genes, suggesting a role for serotonergic neurotransmission in alexithymia.”
Researchers have identified several key genes related to emotional awareness and regulation. One gene of note is responsible for transporting serotonin, a brain chemical that stabilizes mood and well-being, which has been strongly linked to alexithymia. People with certain variations of this gene have more difficulty recognizing emotions. The team also found gender differences in alexithymia, with men generally showing a higher tendency than women. This highlights how biological and social factors influence this condition.
Another major area of exploration involves genes related to brain chemicals that govern mood. The study found that variants of dopamine receptor genes, which influence feelings of reward and pleasure, oxytocin receptor genes, which influence connection and trust, and a gene that breaks down stress hormones, affect mood regulation. For example, people with certain genes related to dopamine processing face more challenges managing emotions. Likewise, changes in the oxytocin receptor gene are associated with reduced empathy and emotional connection.
Dr. Genis-Mendoza shared, “Our findings highlight how serotonin and other brain chemical systems play an important role in shaping how people experience and express emotions. These insights may open the door to targeted therapies to help those People affected by alexithymia.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Large-scale genetic studies examining relevant variants across the genome for alexithymia are currently lacking, and there are inconsistencies when comparing findings across different populations. The team emphasized the need for larger, more diverse studies that consider environmental effects alongside genetics to provide a clearer picture.
The importance of this research cannot be overstated. Alexithymia is associated with a variety of mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, and even physical health conditions. Understanding the genetic factors behind this condition may lead to personalized treatments. Future research may explore how environmental factors such as stress or upbringing interact with genetic predispositions to further refine treatments.
Understanding the biological framework of alexithymia not only deepens our understanding of the condition but also provides opportunities to address broader mental health issues. By bridging psychology and biology, this research offers hope to those facing challenges with emotional awareness and regulation.
Journal reference
Hernández-Díaz, Y., Genis-Mendoza, AD, González-Castro, TB, Fresán, A., Tovilla-Zárate, CA, López-Narváez, ML, Juárez-Rojop, IE, and Nicolini, H. “Exploring Candidates “Genetic Research and Alexithymia: A Systematic Review.” “Genes, 2024, 15(8), 1025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15081025
About the author
Professor Yazmin Hernandez Dias is a distinguished researcher at the Universidad Autónoma de Juárez in Tabasco, known for his work in psychology and genetics. Her research focuses on understanding the genetic and environmental factors that influence mental health and personality traits, including conditions such as alexithymia. Professor Hernandez-Díaz has a strong academic background and dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, having contributed to numerous studies linking neuroscience, genetics and psychology. Her work is highly regarded for its focus on uncovering the complex biological pathways that shape human behavior, providing new perspectives on treatment and intervention strategies for mental health challenges. In addition to research, she is passionate about mentoring students and educating the next generation of scientists.
Dr. Alma Delia Guinness-Mendoza is a distinguished scientist at the National Institute of Medical Genetics in Mexico City. She specializes in psychiatric genetics, studying how genetic variation affects emotion regulation and personality traits. Her contributions to the field include important research into the biological basis of alexithymia, revealing its genetic basis. Dr. Genis-Mendoza’s innovative approach combines advanced genomic analysis with psychological insights to improve the understanding and treatment of complex mental health issues. She is widely recognized for her commitment to advancing mental health research in academic and clinical settings.
