Psychotherapeutic methods in psoriasis

摘要

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which is associated with genetic, environmental and lifestylefactors. It is characterized by periods of exacerbations and remissions. Psychological stress or an abnormal responseto stressors is reported as an important trigger of exacerbation. The study attempted to systematize and evaluate thepsychotherapeutic methods used in treatment of psoriasis based on relevant literature review and meta-analysis model.Materials and Methods: We searched the PubMed database from its inception to August 2, 2019 and summarizedstudies based on guidelines outlined in the preferred reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta–Analyses(PRISMA) statement. Results: The number of articles concerning psychotherapeutic interventions in patients withpsoriasis is rather limited. Before screening, seventy four potentially relevant articles were identified. In our study,we included 24 articles: 13 controlled trials, 5 reviews and 6 case reports. Following interventions are described inpatients with psoriasis: cognitive behavioural therapy, biofeedback, psychotherapy, meditation, hypnosis, musictherapy, exploratory and psychodynamic therapy, emotional writing, systemic family therapy, and support groups.Conclusions: It can be concluded that in patients with frequent exacerbations of psoriasis, combination of bothstandard (topical agents, UV phototherapy, systemic agents) and psychotherapeutic intervention, could be of somebenefit. More studies are required to show how these approaches could be used in clinical practice. However, at thisstage more definite conclusions cannot be drawn.