EVALUATION OF ALEXITHYMIA AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH CLINICAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC COCCYDYNIA

This study aims to investigate the prevalence and levels of alexithymia in patients diagnosed with chronic coccydynia (tailbone pain lasting for 3 months or longer) and to explore its relationship with various clinical and psychological parameters. Chronic coccydynia can significantly impair daily activities, functionality, and reduce quality of life. Participants in this prospective, observational study will be evaluated during their routine visits to the pain management clinic. Evaluation of the participants will be performed using validated self-report questionnaires, including the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) for alexithymia, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for mood symptoms, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-33) for early life adverse experiences, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, and the SF-12 Health Survey for quality of life. The primary objective of the study is to determine how alexithymia relates to pain severity, duration, emotional symptoms, childhood trauma history, and overall quality of life in this specific population. The results of this pilot study may help strengthen the biopsychosocial approach in the evaluation of chronic coccydynia and optimize future multidisciplinary treatment strategies.

Inclusion Criteria: Being older than 18 years of age * Volunteering to participate in the study and providing written informed consent * Being literate and having the mental capacity to comprehend the questionnaires * Having no active, treated severe psychiatric disorder (such as schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder) Exclusion Criteria: * \- Cognitive impairment or communication barriers that compromise the capacity to consent * Active psychotic disorder or manic episode * Suspected self-harm or suicide risk during the clinical interview * Distinct secondary causes of pain such as malignancy, active infection, or acute fracture