City Research Online

Abstract

Background: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a stress related auto immune condition. Majority of people with AA are found to experience anxiety, depression and an impact to their quality of life and are reported to have the highest suicide mortality rate amongst people with skin conditions. Due to the unknown causes of the condition, the design and efficacy of medical interventions are potentially impacted. However, to date, no randomised controlled trials have been implemented to evaluate psychological interventions for people with AA.

Aims: This aim of this pilot research project was to investigate the effectiveness of an Integrative Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) for people with AA.

Method: 15 participants with AA were randomly allocated to receive 12-weeks of individual ICBT or a waiting list control group. Psychological and physical assessments were implemented at the beginning of the trial and after the 12-week intervention or waiting period.

Results: Mixed analysis of variance tests were conducted to explore the effectiveness of the intervention. The findings revealed that quality of life and depressive symptoms improved significantly for participants in the treatment group in comparison to the control group from the initial assessment and 12-week assessment. The findings also revealed that participants in the intervention group presented significant improvements to the level of distress they experienced due to the condition. Lastly, participants in the intervention group were found to experience significantly less hair loss in comparison to those in the control group from the initial assessment and 12 week assessment.

Discussion: The findings of this study provide important clinical implications for people with AA and other psychodermatological conditions. Larger scale studies are required to further investigate the impact of psychological interventions for people with AA.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	Doctoral Theses School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses

Export

Downloads