About Alexinomia

“It has always been like that, as long as I can remember. I couldn’t address others with their names, and it took extreme efforts to try. I became really conscious of it, when I met my husband. I wanted to address him by name, but I could not do it. That’s when I realized that it’s a problem, that I can’t say other people’s names.”

What is Alexinomia

Alexinomia is a psychological phenomenon characterized by knowing a name but being unable to use it in personal communication. For affected individuals, it is impossible to say, for example, “Good morning, Maria.” or “Armin! Great to see you.” They experience acute anxiety and a variety of other negative emotions in social situations in which using a personal name is intended.

This previously undocumented psychological phenomenon has recently been established under the term Alexinomia. Alexinomia is Greek,  á (a-, “not”) + λέξεις (léxis, “words”) + óνoμα (ónoma, “name”), and literally means “no words for names.”

Subjective Experience

Alexinomia is characterized by at least one of the following symptoms:

  • Experience of acute anxiety, panic, embarrassment, and inadequacy in situation in which saying someone’s name is intended
  • The fear of mispronouncing a name or saying it wrong
  • Physical reactions such as nausea and feeling like holding the breath when trying to address others
  • Avoidance of situations that could require using a problematic name

Main Characteristics

  • Alexinomia can affect all relationships, especially romantic relationships and relationships with authority
  • All forms of communication can be affected, however the problematic is usually strongest in direct verbal communication
  • Individuals cope with the impairment by employing compensation strategies such as talking without using names, the use of physical touch as a means to get attention, and using nick names
  • People of all genders, age groups and a variety of geographical locations, cultures, and languages are affected
  • Research shows that alexinomia is highly associated with social anxiety and attachment-related anxiety

Key Psychological Factors

The following psychological factors have been suggested to cause or contribute to the experience of alexinomia-related symptoms:

  • Social anxiety
  • Attachment- and relationship-related anxiety
  • Reduced ability to regulate emotions
  • Low levels of extraversion

F.A.Q.

Alexinomia is a psychological phenomenon characterised by impaired name saying behaviour. Affected individuals would like to be able to use names, however they avoid using names as a consequence of psychological and physical discomfort that is experienced in situations in which saying a name is intended. The main symptom is anxiety. 

Calling another person by their name is a way to make contact. It can create a form of closeness and intimacy that is not always desired. Even if, it might be experienced as too personal and simply too much for an individual affected by alexinomia to feel safe and comfortable. 

Research on the underlying causes of alexinomia is still in its infancy. So far, studies have shown that impaired name saying behaviour is linked to social anxiety, insecure attachment, and environmental factors such as instable childhood relationship systems that contribute to a vulnerable personality structure.  

Alexinomia can  be experienced by persons of all genders, age groups and cultures and seems to occur in many languages. Current research suggests that alexinomia-related symptoms are often part of a more general social anxiety disorder. However, not everyone who experiences alexinomia is socially anxious and vice versa.

If you are affected by alexinomia, you can sign up as a participant here. 

If you think that you might be affected by alexinomia, you can sign up as a participant here. There is a variety of studies in operation, some are available to participate online (e.g. simple surveys), whereas other studies such as experimental studies and brainphysiological studies are conducted in our labs at Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria.

There is a variety of studies in operation, some are available to participate online (e.g. simple surveys), whereas other studies such as experimental studies and brainphysiological studies are conducted in our labs at Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria. The address of our SFU research center is: Freudplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria.

Evidence from empirical research suggests alexinomia to occur as part of a larger set of psychological symptoms or disorders. To treat it, we recommend psychotherapy or clinical psychological treatment by a trained professional. For questions and guidance regarding a potential treatment of alexinomia, feel free to contact us.