Neurotic Symptoms and Emotional Factors in Atopic Dermatitis

Greenhill, Maurice H.; Finesinger, Jacob È.

doi:10.1001/archderm.1942.01500140003001

Cited by 42 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Concerning coping with skin diseases and especially with AD, only a few valid studies are available. However, stress and an inability to cope with psychosocial distress seem to be the strongest aggravating factor in AD [Greenhill and Finesinger, 1942;Wittkower and Russel, 1953;Brown, 1972;Lammintausta et al, 1991]. King and Wilson [1991] demonstrated that interpersonal stress and the individual stress tolerance, respectively, were the most reliable predictors of the clinical course of AD, as compared to genetic and therapeutic factors.…”

Section: Coping and Atopic Dermatitismentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychosomatic Aspects of Skin Care and Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis with Regard to the Patient’s Dealing with Himself and the Parents’ Dealing with Their Child

Roos¹

2004

Dermatol Psychosom

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Due to their exposed localization, skin diseases have characteristic individual and social consequences as compared to other diseases. In the first section of this review, general psychosomatic and psychosocial aspects of the skin and common skin diseases are described. Since atopic dermatitis is characterized by a chronic inflammatory course and associated with intermittent attacks of intensive pruritus, it is more frequently associated with intraand interpersonal conflicts than other skin diseases. Therefore, certain aspects of atopic dermatitis such as coping and compliance/adherence-to-treatment are reviewed and discussed in detail. Finally, clinically important issues of psychosomatic care and dermatological therapy (skin care and topical therapy) of patients with atopic dermatitis are reviewed.

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Section: Coping and Atopic Dermatitismentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychosomatic Aspects of Skin Care and Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis with Regard to the Patient’s Dealing with Himself and the Parents’ Dealing with Their Child

Roos¹

2004

Dermatol Psychosom

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“…This approach not only allows for the day-to-day reporting of skin condition but also emotional reactions to events, allowing the association of the two to be investigated. Furthermore, as some authors have identified particular emotional reactions such as frustration (Grace & Graham, 1952) or anger (Greenhill & Finesinger, 1942) to be of key importance in exacerbations of the skin symptoms, a daily diary which monitors specific emotions can investigate these competing hypotheses as well. Finally, the use of such a diary can also determine whether lag periods exist between the occurrence of stressful events and the exacerbations of skin symptoms.…”

Section: The Current Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Evidence regarding the role of stress in atopic dermatitis has come mainly from retrospective interview studies. Greenhill and Finesinger (1942) found that 55 % of their 32 cases felt that emotional events were related to exacerbations. Cormia (1951) reported a correlation between psychological stress and exacerbations in 7 of 9 cases.…”

Section: Retrospective Interview Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Allergy Diagnosis in Atopic Eczema with the Atopy Patch Test

2002

Atopic Dermatitis

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“…In addition, psychological factors such as personality have been assumed to be significant modulators of AD. In this line of research it has been suggested that AD sufferers display an atopy-specific personality profile characterized for example by neuroticism, hostility, anxiety, hypersensitivity, aggressiveness, feelings of inferiority, tension, depression, restlessness, insecurity, emotional lability and rigidity [Greenhill and Finesinger, 1942;Kepecs et al, 1951;Rogerson, 1947]. It should be emphasized, however, that the approach to link a distinct personality profile to AD has been criticized and is still a matter of debate [White et al, 1990].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Personality Characteristics and Their Association with Biological Stress Responses in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Buske‐Kirschbaum¹,

Ebrecht²,

Kern³

et al. 2004

Dermatol Psychosom

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Background: The potential relevance of personality factors on atopic dermatitis (AD) has long been a focus of psychodermatological research. A central premise underlying this line of research is that AD sufferers show a distinct personality profile that may increase the vulnerability to develop or to exacerbate AD especially under stress. Objective: The specific goal of the present study was to assess specific personality traits in AD sufferers and their possible relationship to biological stress responses. Material and Methods: 36 AD patients, 23 patients suffering from psoriasis (PSO) and 37 non-atopic controls were investigated. To determine different personality domains, Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Questionnaire for Competence and Control (FKK) and the Questionnaire for Stress Vulnerability (MESA) were administered. In order to investigate whether these personality dimensions are related to biological stress responses, AD subjects and healthy controls were confronted with a standardized laboratory stressor (Trier Social Stress Test; TSST). Blood and saliva samples were obtained before and after the stress test to measure endocrine (cortisol, ACTH, catecholamines) and immunological (immunoglobulin-E, cytokines, leukocyte subsets) stress responses. Furthermore, heart rate responses to the stressor and morning cortisol after awakening were recorded. Results: When compared to healthy controls, AD and PSO patients showed significantly higher scores in trait anxiety (STAI) and stress vulnerability (MESA) in situations characterized by failure, job overload, social conflicts and uncertainness. In addition, they scored significantly lower in positive self-concept (FKK). No difference in these personality traits could be detected between AD and PSO subjects. When confronted with the laboratory stressor (TSST), significantly altered endocrine and immune responses in AD patients could be determined which are described elsewhere [J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002;87:4245–4251; J Neuroimmunol 2002;129:161–167]. However, Pearson correlational analysis indicated no significant correlation between the different personality domains and any of the endocrine, immunological or physiological stress responses. The cortisol response to awakening in the morning, however, was significantly correlated with the stress vulnerability in situations characterized by job overload and criticism. Conclusions: AD patients show a distinct personality pattern, which does not differ from that found in PSO patients suggesting that there may be no specific ‘atopic’ personality type but rather a personality pattern linked to chronic inflammatory skin disorders.

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Neurotic Symptoms and Emotional Factors in Atopic Dermatitis

Cited by 42 publications

References 12 publications

Psychosomatic Aspects of Skin Care and Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis with Regard to the Patient’s Dealing with Himself and the Parents’ Dealing with Their Child

Psychosomatic Aspects of Skin Care and Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis with Regard to the Patient’s Dealing with Himself and the Parents’ Dealing with Their Child

Allergy Diagnosis in Atopic Eczema with the Atopy Patch Test

Personality Characteristics and Their Association with Biological Stress Responses in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

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