A preliminary study of psychological therapy in the management of atopic eczema.
This paper presents a pilot study of the treatment of atopic eczema using a cognitive-behavioural approach involving self-monitoring of eczema severity, recording both internal (cognitive) and environmental antecedent trigger stimuli to flare-ups, and relaxation using imagery and habit reversal. Three patients are presented suffering from chronic atopic eczema. Although each differed in personality, complexity and severity of atopic eczema, all three showed a post-treatment reduction in symptom severity, an increase in their ability to control the disorder and a decrease in their reliance on medication. It is argued that although the cognitive-behavioural approach used did provide a useful conceptual framework for implementing the treatments described, certain aspects of these cases could also usefully be understood in more psychodynamic terms. A controlled trial is necessary to evaluate the relative importance of the different components of treatment reported in this pilot study.
Horne
D J
DJ
Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
White
A E
AE
Varigos
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012803:Sick Role; D013404:Suggestion