The Mediator Role of Alexithymia in Adolescents with Anxiety Disorder in Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate during the COVID-19 pandemic the anxiety levels, trauma reactions, alexithymia levels and coping strategies of adolescents previously diagnosed with anxiety disorder (Ad). Materials and Methods: Trauma reactions were assessed using the Children’s Impact of Event Scale(Cries-13) and childhood anxiety disorders were identified using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders(Scared). Alexithymia levels were assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (Tas-20). According to this scale, the sample was classified as alexithymic group if the total score was ≥52 and as non-alexithymic group if the total score was ≤ 51. Adolescents' coping strategies were assessed using the Turkish version of the Kidcope (Kidcope-T). Results: The alexithymic group scored higher on Cries-13, Scared, Kidcope avoidant coping, and Kidcope negative coping than the non-alexithymic group. Tas-20 scores were associated with Scared scores, Cries-13, and Kidcope in adolescents diagnosed with Ad. The results of mediation analysis showed alexithymia to have a complete mediating effect between Cries-13 and Scared scores. Conclusion: This study revealed that alexithymia in adolescents diagnosed with Ad during the pandemic was associated with anxiety levels and trauma responses, and that alexithymia played a mediating role in the relationship between anxiety levels and trauma responses.