GLASGOW, SCOTLAND — Hypnotherapy led to marked and persistent improvements in symptoms and quality of life in a pilot study of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, Susannah E. Baron, M.B., reported at the annual meeting of the British Association of Dermatologists.
The study included seven adults, five of whom were women whose mean age was 49 years, and two children, a 12-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy. Baseline assessments included the severity scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index and a patient-completed visual analog scale (VAS). Adults also completed the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Children completed the child dermatology life quality index (CDLQI), and their parents completed a family impact questionnaire (FIQ).
Throughout the 12-month study, patients used topical emollients and corticosteroids.
All participants underwent three or four sessions of hypnotherapy and were taught self-hypnosis techniques, which they were encouraged to continue.
Symptoms rated on the SCORAD index improved in all adults and one child during the course of hypnotherapy, and improved in all when rated according to VAS.
Mean SCORAD index reduction was from 43.5 at baseline to 32.8, representing a 25% improvement. Mean VAS reduction was from 5.9 to 3.5, which was an improvement of 41%, Dr. Baron explained in a poster session.
Improvements continued through the yearlong follow-up, with mean SCORAD index ratings of 29.9, 20.8, and 21.1 at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively.
Mean DLQI improved from 15.4 to 7.3 (53%), while the mean CDLQI improved from 17 to 8.5 (50%) over the course of treatment. Mean FIQ was reduced from 18 to 6.5 (64%).
At 12 months there was a further reduction in mean CDLQI to 5 and in mean FIQ to 2.5.
Mean anxiety scores decreased from 9.1 to 5.2, and mean depression scores decreased from 5.6 to 2.4 during the course of treatment. HADS and DLQI improvements were maintained throughout follow-up.
“Hypnotherapy may be beneficial in the management of atopic dermatitis by reducing symptoms, breaking the itch-scratch habit cycle, and reducing the anxiety associated with flare,” wrote Dr. Baron of the dermatology department of the General Infirmary at Leeds (England).
In addition, patients enjoyed the hypnotherapy sessions and reported that they found self-hypnosis to be a useful skill for the long-term management of their disease, she noted.