Children • Vol 12 • No 10
The Impact of Expressive Arts Therapy on Alexithymia Levels in Adolescent Inpatients with Severe Anorexia Nervosa
October 2025 • Flavia Cirillo, Giulia Spina, Mariangela Irrera, Elena Bozzola, Cristina Mascolo, Livia Gargiullo, Valentina Burla, Marco Roversi, Carla Maria Carlev…
Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder that requires a multidisciplinary approach. The World Health Organization recognizes the therapeutic value of expressive arts, including drama, in enhancing emotional, cognitive, and relational domains in severe mental illnesses such as AN. Expressive arts interventions may improve emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness while reducing anxiety and alexithymia. This study evaluated the impact of an adjunctive expressive arts program on …