Abstract
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a behavioural
intervention could reduce scratching behaviour in atopic
dermatitis. The literature dealing with the psychological
aspects, and existing approaches to the treatment of atopic
dermatitis and related dermatoses was reviewed.
It was hypothesized that if subjects with atopic dermatitis were
able to reduce their scratching behaviour they would show a
corresponding reduction in size of identified lesions.
In order to test these hypotheses, SUbjects with atopic
dermatitis participated in a self-control programme lasting
between eight and ten weeks. Of the seven subj ects that
originally started the programme, four completed it. SUbjects'
self-monitoring details reflected changes in scratching
behaviour, and a specially designed grid was used to measure
changes in lesion size.
Inspection of the data showed that two SUbjects eliminated their
scratching behaviour and lesions entirely; the other two showed
marked reduction.
The results of this study indicate that self-control procedures
could be usefully applied as adjuncts to the conventional
dermatological management of atopic dermatitis.