Nevertheless, because the mechanisms of these interactions are not clear, very few of its explanatory models have gained the consideration of research paradigm ( 1). Psychosomatic medicine in general is based on the principle that emotions and personality have an impact on bodily functions, and thereby play a part in physical wellbeing or illness. In this article it is, following the thread conduits of the historical perspective, to deepen these epistemological aspects. Possibly, its history, closely linked to psychoanalysis, as well as the lack of clear empirical references, has turned the alexithymia construct before into a good descriptive and comprehensive framework than in a precise diagnostic model. However, from an epistemological point of view, it remains the subject of debate and therefore remains outside the conventional diagnostic guidelines. However, beyond the specific observations and case studies, their characterization and systematization is relatively recent. 4Thematic Network for Cooperative Health Research (RETICS), Addictive Disorders Network, Health Institute Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, SpainĪlexithymia, as a theoretical psychotherapeutic construct, finds its origins in psychosomatic medicine, actually being quite old.3Portucalense Institute of Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Neurosciences (INPP), Portucalense University, Porto, Portugal.2Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Hospital Doce de Octubre Research Institute (i+12), Madrid, Spain.1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Health, University Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain.Francisco López-Muñoz 1,2,3,4* and Francisco Pérez-Fernández 1

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