Effects of family constellation seminars on itch in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis: A patient preference controlled trial

Abstract

Family dynamics play a major role in itch related dermatoses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of family constellation seminars (FCS) in the decrease of itch in atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis. Thirty‐one adult patients with chronic itch (16 with AD and 15 with psoriasis) were allocated to intervention group (FCS + G) and control group (CG). Patients from FCS + G have participated in a series of four FCS for 3 months. During the study period, all patients used only emollients. Itch was evaluated by 27‐item questionnaire and skin condition was evaluated by SCORAD and PASI. The severity of itch in FCS + G decreased (Median; (25%;75%)) from 8.42 (6.57;11.92) initially to 4.78 (1.36;9.14); p < .01 after 1 month and (0.61 (0;6.66); p < .001) after 9 months after the psychological intervention with no significant changes in the CG. In the patients with AD in the FCS + G, SCORAD decreased (21.5 (14.4;40); 14.1 (7.3;15.5) p < .05; 7.2 (3.6;11); p < .05). In the FCS + G, itch decreased both in patients with AD and psoriasis, with less significant visible changes of skin in patients with psoriasis. Participation in FCS in a series of four seminars has high effect (r = .53) on reduction of itch and high effect (r = .74) on improvement of AD signs with lower effect on skin condition in patients with psoriasis for 4 months. Positive effect of FCS gradually increases during at least 9 months. Further studies for understanding FCS influence on the patients with itch are needed.

Psychologic interventions in patients with the chronic dermatologic itch in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis: A step forward with family constellations seminars

“…Family constellation seminars method was not discussed in several reviews about psychological interventions in the patients with itch (52-56), but we reported its effectiveness in decreasing itch, scratch, and improving skin condition (51). After a series of FCS, along with reduced itch severity and duration, patients with AD and psoriasis improved attentiveness, working capacity, productivity, quality of sleep and daily activities, and felt less emotional depletion due to itch (51).…”

Process of change and effectiveness of family constellations: “On the verge of divorce, I glimpse my finitude.” A mixed methods single case study on suicidal ideation.

“…From our standpoint, thanks to several important controversies and criticisms (e.g., Goldner, 2003; Haas, 2005, 2009; Keupp, 2003; Talarczyk, 2011; Thielbörger, 2014), and despite the lack of more rigorous research (Alonso, 2005; Sparrer & von Kibed, 2008), there are slowly emerging indications that, as an evidence-based psychotherapy (Berg, 2019, 2020; David & Montgomery, 2011; Lee & Hunsley, 2015), FC is effective (Franke, 2003b; Ramos & Ramos, 2019; Wolynn, 2005), efficacious (Höppner, 2006; Hunger, Bornhäuser, et al, 2014; Hunger, Weinhold, et al, 2014; Jafferany et al, 2019; Weinhold et al, 2013), and efficient (Ramos & Ramos, 2019). Thus, FC is still a psychotherapy in search for an identity (Alonso, 2005), scientificity, and a more comprehensive understanding.…”

New Frontiers in Psoriatic Disease Research, Part II: Comorbidities and Targeted Therapies

“…Finally, psychosocial interventions such as family constellation seminars examining transgenerational family dynamic patterns have been shown to reduce itch in psoriatic patients (Jafferany et al, 2019).…”