Biofeedback and Psychotherapeutic Treatment of Psoriasis: A Brief Report

Abstract

The client was a 31-yr.-old white male evidencing multiple psoriatic plaques. The condition was considered severe and had been resistant to previous dermatological treatments. Following a baseline period of 3 wk., 30 treatment sessions were conducted over a 7-mo. period. Each treatment session consisted of 20 min. of skin temperature training at the target plaque site and 15 min. of supportive psychotherapy focused on personal adjustment problems. Photographs of the plaque area and skin temperature recordings were taken during each session. Ratings of the photographs indicated marked improvements of dermatological signs. Despite efforts to reduce skin temperature, small but consistent increases were obtained. It was not possible to assess the relative contribution of biofeedback training, psychotherapy, cognitive variables, or uncontrolled life events. It is hypothesized that a general stress-reduction model might be more useful in the development of an effective treatment of psoriasis. Follow-up checks are needed.