Psychology and psoriasis: A new intervention for psoriasis patients

Psychology and psoriasis: A new intervention for psoriasis patients

A team of researchers at the University of Manchester are investigating ways to help individuals cope better with their psoriasis symptoms including psychological distress. Services for people with psoriasis rarely include psychological or emotional support, despite patients’ subjective reports suggesting that psychological stress/distress may play a significant role in the initiation, exacerbation or relapse of psoriasis. Common psychological symptoms may include anxiety, stress, feeling down, negative thinking, low self-esteem, and difficulties in coping.

 The research team (Prof. Chris Griffiths, Prof. Nick Tarrier, Dr. Christine Bundy, Ms. Binder Kaur and Dr. Sandra Bucci) have designed a brand new program, known as eTIPs (electronic Targeted Intervention for Psoriasis), and is funded by the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA). It is a menu-driven, interactive programme which uses a multi-media format including text, videos, audio clips and graphics. The programme is based on the principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - a well established psychological therapy which focuses on helping individuals to understand that the way they think about a situation can affect the way they feel and behave. This requires patients to practice exercises to improve psychological well-being and to manage their psoriasis better. The research team is currently testing whether eTIPs helps to reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms.

The programme will be delivered on-line so that it is widely available, and can reach out to individuals who may not wish to discuss psychological complaints face-to-face. Another benefit of using the internet is that participants can work at their own pace, at their own convenience and in the privacy of their own home.

For a limited period the researchers are still recruiting psoriasis patients and would be happy to hear from anybody interested or wanting more details. The trial of this programme will be offered to individuals diagnosed with plaque psoriasis and have internet access. However, the researchers are particularly interested in hearing from younger adults as this group does not seem to be as widely represented in the trial so far, though they would like to stress that anyone over the age of 16 may be eligible to participate in the trial.

For further details please contact Ms Binder Kaur for more information on 0161 3060422 or by email: etips@manchester.ac.uk