Psychiatric Sequelae of Chronic Pruritic Dermatoses

This comprehensive review investigates the significant psychological impact and profound psychological comorbidities found in individuals suffering from chronic pruritic dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, and prurigo nodularis. Highlighting the complex, reciprocal relationship between pruritus and psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, this paper elucidates the comprehensive impact of dermatological disorders on the skin in addition to the far-reaching effects on an individual’s psychological well-being. By evaluating the efficacy of integrated psychodermatological interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, pharmacological treatments, and innovative telepsychiatry and digital health solutions, this review aims to lay the foundation for a more holistic approach to treatment of concurrent dermatological and psychiatric conditions. Future research endeavors should delve deeper into the mechanistic foundation of the pruritus-psychiatry interface, the refinement of tailored treatment strategies, and the evaluation of long-term patient outcomes. In doing so, this review seeks to contribute to the optimization of patient care and well-being, underscoring the pivotal role of addressing both dermatological and psychological needs in achieving comprehensive health outcomes.

Mindfulness intervention in the management of chronic pain and psychological comorbidity: A meta-analysis

Objective:To review trials on mindfulness intervention for chronic pain in primary care to clarify the evidence base and establish whether mindfulness is an important intervention for relieving pain and improving psychological comorbidity.Methods:We performed a literature search using PubMed,the Cochrane Database,EBSCOhost,Elsevier,Wiley,Springer,and the references of retrieved articles.We included articles written in English and that were published up to January 2012.We found 428 empirical studies,but only eight were included as randomized controlled trials of mindfulness intervention for chronic pain in our meta-analysis.After extracting and synthesizing data from these eight trials,we analyzed the data extracted and synthesized from these eight trials.Results:Compared with control intervention,mindfulness intervention had no specific effect on reducing pain intensity(weighted mean difference 3.24,95%confidence interval[CI]:
8.92 to 2.45).Mindfulness intervention led to greater improvement in psychological comorbidity with chronic pain,such as depression(weighted mean difference
3.91,95%CI
5.94 to
2.32)and trait anxiety(weighted mean difference
4.07,95%CI
4.48 to
3.65).Conclusion:There is insufficient evidence that mindfulness intervention relieves pain intensity.However,it improves depression and trait anxiety in patients with chronic pain.Further research in larger,properly powered,and better-designed studies is warranted.

Predictors of Comorbid Psychological Symptoms among Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder after Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the predictors of comorbid psychological symptoms in social anxiety disorder (SAD) after cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Methods: One hundred fourteen SAD patients completed manualized group CBT. We examined associations between the personality dimensions of NEO Five Factor Index (NEO-FFI) and the subscales of Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R) in SAD patients after CBT using multiple regression analysis. Results: High levels of conscientiousness at baseline predicted symptom reduction on 4 SCL-90-R scales, including somatization, obsessive-compulsive, anxiety and global severity index in patients with SAD after CBT. And high levels of agreeableness predicted symptom reduction on 2 SCL-90-R scales, including Hostility and Paranoid Ideation. High levels of openness predicted psychoticism. Conclusion: The present study suggested that high levels of three NEO-FFI dimensions (openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness) might predict comorbid psychological symptoms reduction in SAD patients after CBT. For the purpose of improving comorbid psychological symptoms with SAD patients, it might be useful to pay more attention to these dimensions of NEO-FFI at baseline.