Empowering the Skin and Soul: Online Mindfulness Training for Atopic Dermatitis

Original Article: Efficacy of Integrated Online Mindfulness and Self-compassion Training for Adults with Atopic Dermatitis - A Randomized Clinical Trial

What are the key takeaways of this article?

A novel study by Kishimoto et al. aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of online group mindfulness and self-compassion training in improving the quality of life (QOL) of adults with atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with intense itching and significant impairment in QOL.

The randomized clinical trial included 107 adults with AD. Participants were randomized to receive either eight 90-minute weekly group sessions of online mindfulness and self-compassion training or to a waiting list control group. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, which is a measure of skin disease specific QOL, from baseline to week 13. Secondary outcomes included measures of eczema severity, itch and scratching-related scales, self-compassion, mindfulness, psychological symptoms, and adherence to dermatologist-advised treatments.

The results of the study showed that the group receiving mindfulness and self-compassion training, in addition to usual care, had significantly greater improvements in the DLQI score compared to the waiting list control group at the 13-week assessment point. The effect size was large, indicating a substantial improvement in QOL. Furthermore, all secondary outcomes, including eczema severity, itch-related scales, self-compassion, mindfulness, and psychological symptoms, showed greater improvements in the intervention group compared to the control group.

The findings of this study suggest that online group mindfulness and self-compassion training can effectively improve the QOL of adults with AD when used in synergy with dermatological treatments. The low dropout rate (1.9%) in the intervention group indicates good acceptability and feasibility of the training program. The study also highlights the importance of psychological interventions in the management of AD to complement dermatological treatments.

One of the strengths of this study is its high internal validity, including the use of randomization and blinding, low dropout rate, and adherence to the intention-to-treat principle. However, there are limitations to consider. The study sample consisted mainly of highly motivated and committed Japanese participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations and settings. Additionally, the study relied on self-reported outcomes, and there was only one therapist delivering the intervention.

Ultimately, the results of this study provide evidence for the effectiveness of integrated online mindfulness and self-compassion training in improving the QOL of adults with AD. The findings suggest that this training can be considered as an effective treatment option for patients with AD, supporting the use of psychological interventions in dermatology. Further research is needed to replicate the findings in different populations and to explore the long-term effects of the training program.

Publication Date: July 21st, 2023

Reference: Kishimoto S, Watanabe N, Yamamoto Y, et al. Efficacy of Integrated Online Mindfulness and Self-compassion Training for Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159(6):628–636. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.0975

Summary By: Parsa Abdi