Treatment of acne vulgaris by biofeedback relaxation and cognitive imagery

J Psychosom Res. 1983;27(3):185-91. doi: 10.1016/0022-3999(83)90021-1.

Abstract

A multielement intervention involving biofeedback-assisted relaxation and cognitive imagery treatment of acne vulgaris was investigated in this study with 30 patients receiving medical dermatological treatment. Patients were matched on age, sex, and pre-treatment acne severity and randomly assigned to groups. Treatment consisted of 12 sessions over six weeks and resulted in a significant reduction in acne severity as compared to the attention-comparison and medical control groups. Treatment group patients continuing home practice until follow-up maintained their gains, whereas those who discontinued failed to maintain gains.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / psychology
  • Acne Vulgaris / therapy*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biofeedback, Psychology*
  • Cognition*
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imagination*
  • Male
  • Relaxation Therapy*