A self-rating scale for alexithymia was administered to a consecutive unselected series of 150 medical patients suffering from essential hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, psoriasis, chronic urticaria, fungal infections of the skin and gastrointestinal disorders. The scale, an Italian version of a preliminary form of the Schalling-Sifneos Personality Scale, showed some interesting discriminating properties. Implications for the development of a self-rating scale for alexithymia are discussed.