title: Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary itch-coping training programme in adults with atopic dermatitis.
abstract: The short- and longer-term effectiveness of a brief, multidisciplinary itch-coping group training scheme in adults with atopic dermatitis was evaluated. Clinical severity scores (Eczema Area and Severity Index) and validated self-report measures were obtained in a waiting-list control condition (n=30) and a treatment condition (n=61) at pre- and post-treatment and in the treatment condition at 3- and 12-month follow-ups. Relative to the control condition, all post-treatment measures showed improvements in terms of enhanced skin status, reduced itching and scratching and improved itch-coping patterns. In the treatment condition, the changes were sustained or further improved at both follow-ups. Also, the dermatological healthcare use was significantly reduced during the follow-up periods, in terms of fewer visits to the dermatologist and decreased use of topical corticosteroids and itch-relieving medication (histamine antagonists). The brief multidisciplinary itch-coping programme in adults with atopic dermatitis considerably reduced itch-scratching patterns, improved their skin status and reduced the use of dermatological care, both in the short and longer term.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. a.evers@mps.umcn.nl
authors.forename: Andrea W M
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Evers
authors.forename: Piet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Duller
authors.forename: Elke M G J
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: de Jong
authors.forename: Marisol E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Otero
authors.forename: Christianne M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Verhaak
authors.forename: Pieter G M
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: van der Valk
authors.forename: Peter C M
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: van de Kerkhof
authors.forename: Floris W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Kraaimaat
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000628:therapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents