Efficacy of Imagery and Meditation Techniques in Treating Psoriasis

Abstract

Using a dismantled time-series design, eighteen subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: meditation ( N = 5); meditation and imagery ( N = 4); waiting list ( N = 5). Treatment lasted twelve weeks, while pre- and post-baseline periods were of four weeks. An assessment control group control was also used during baseline periods ( N = 4). The severity of psoriasis symptoms was reliably rated by dermatologists. While controlling for extraneous factors influencing psoriasis symptoms, a time-series multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant difference between the mean psoriasis ratings of treatment and control groups after treatment (partial r = .30, p < .01). No additional impact was associated with the use of the imagery technique (partial r = − .06, p > .05). Four subjects in the treatment groups, two in each condition, succeeded in clinically improving their psoriasis symptoms, and none deteriorated. The practice of mediation may be clinically effective for some patients in reducing their psoriasis symptoms.