Mindfulness as Predictor of Itch Catastrophizing in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: Results of a Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study

Lüßmann, K; Montgomery, Kerry; Thompson, Andrew R.; Gieler, Uwe; Zick, Christoph; Kupfer, J.; Schut, Christina

doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.627611

Cited by 8 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 32 publications

(44 reference statements)

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“…Itch catastrophizing, a debilitating feature of the disease, is negatively correlated with mindfulness scores. 33 Thus, implementing holistic, Eastern medicine practices successfully improves outcomes in patients with eczema. 8 Similarly, as stress and eczema reciprocally worsen each other, treatment plans involving stress-reduction are superior to those that do not.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alternative Psychotherapeutic Approaches to the Treatment of Eczema

Oska¹,

Nakamura²

2022

CCID

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Introduction Patients with eczema suffer from high psychological burden, often caused and exacerbated by chronic pruritus, which leads to a vicious itch-scratch cycle. Although much of the literature focuses on treating the physiological factors that lead to pruritus, little attention has been given to the cognitive, behavioral, and social factors associated with the itch-scratch cycle. We conducted a literature review to investigate whether treatments aimed at psychosocial factors could be effective for patients with eczema. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted through PubMed and EMBASE. Original investigative articles that focused on psychotherapeutic interventions for eczema and/or eczema-related psychological morbidities were reviewed. Results Psychotherapeutic interventions alongside standard medical care are shown to be beneficial compared to conventional treatments alone, both for eczema and for eczema-associated psychological symptoms. Such interventions include meditation and mindfulness, stress-reduction, habit-reversal training, hypnotherapy, music therapy, massage therapy, and standard psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Conclusion It is important to recognize the reciprocal relationship between eczema and psychosocial distress. Alternative treatment options to address psychological factors associated with eczema can improve disease trajectory and quality of life.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alternative Psychotherapeutic Approaches to the Treatment of Eczema

Oska¹,

Nakamura²

2022

CCID

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“…26 This cycle could be targeted with mindfulness, as previous research into worry about itch in atopic dermatitis suggests a relationship between the mindfulness facet "acting with awareness" and itch catastrophizing. 67 A mindful approach to itch could involve noticing the itch and the related impulse (e.g., scratching the itch), but not acting on that impulse. Children also described moving their attention away from their skin condition by engaging in activities such as playing with friends, watching videos, reading, and drawing.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Parent and child experience of skin conditions: relevance for the provision of mindfulness-based interventions

Hughes

Shelton

Penny

et al. 2022

British Journal of Dermatology

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Background Managing a skin condition can be difficult, and there is a lack of psychological support for children and their families. Objectives The objectives of this study were to identify issues surrounding caring for a child with a skin condition, investigate experiences of current psychological support to gain a sense of what is needed, and determine the relevance of offering mindfulness-based interventions for children and families. Design This study employed a mixed inductive and deductive form of qualitative inquiry to understand children and families experiences and needs. Methods Twenty-three participants (n = 12 parents/carers, n = 11 female, n = 1 male), (n = 11 children, n = 6 female, n = 5 male, aged 8-11 years) were recruited with an advert posted on social media. In-depth data was collected from semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed with a descriptive form of thematic analysis. Results Systematic analysis of the data led to five themes being developed: (1) Caregiver burden of childhood skin conditions; (2) Skin condition overshadowing childhood; (3) Battling for recognition and lack of support; (4) Naturalistic use and understanding of mindfulness in everyday coping: and (5) Openness and relevance of offering a mindfulness-based interventions. Conclusions Living with a skin condition was reported as being associated with mood disturbance, with impacts on schooling, sleep, and daily life. Parents and children expressed a desire for short/accessible interventions that could fit with daily routines and might provide the opportunity to connect with other families. The findings indicate that mindfulness-based interventions may be likely to be accepted, as many participants had experience of using mindful techniques in school, and described that they were naturalistically using ‘mindfulness’ to manage itch and stress. However, the findings indicate that a number of misconceptions exist about the fundamental nature and aims of mindfulness. Addressing misconceptions related to mindfulness need to be considered when planning both future studies and service delivery.

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“…The unpleasant body sensation known as pruritus (or "itch") is frequently accompanied by scratching behavior. When an itch lasts more than six weeks, it is said to be chronic and is a common sign of atopic dermatitis (21,22,23). The biopsychosocial model of itch suggests that there is an increase in physiological response (e.g., activation of certain brain areas) regarding the internal and external factors leading to illness, cognition, social reaction, and behavioral change causing itch (21).…”

Section: Atopic Dermatitismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When an itch lasts more than six weeks, it is said to be chronic and is a common sign of atopic dermatitis (21,22,23). The biopsychosocial model of itch suggests that there is an increase in physiological response (e.g., activation of certain brain areas) regarding the internal and external factors leading to illness, cognition, social reaction, and behavioral change causing itch (21). Shenefelt described that m i n d f u l n e s s m e a s u r e s w o u l d h e l p v i a psychoneuroimmunological pathway to reduce mindfulness itch (21).…”

Section: Atopic Dermatitismentioning

confidence: 99%