Group Psychotherapy for Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Effects in Quality of Life

Group Psychotherapy for Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Effects in Quality

The aim of this study is to determine the benefits of group psychotherapy on quality of life for people with hidradenitis suppurativa receiving medical and surgical treatment versus a control group (awaiting group) treated with medical and surgical treatment, without psychotherapy.

Further investigations studies are needed to determine the efficacy of psychological interventions for people with hidradenitis suppurativa.

The aim of this study is to determine the benefits of group psychotherapy on quality of life for people with hidradenitis suppurativa receiving medical and surgical treatment versus a control group (awaiting group) treated with medical and surgical treatment, without psychotherapy.

This is an experimental randomized trial with control group. Quality of life, symptoms: pruritus, odor and pain, distress and the illness will be measured before and after the intervention using psychological and quality of life questionnaires, and dermatological evaluations for 120 subjects.

The investigators expect that the experimental group scores at the end of the psychotherapy program will be less than 4 points in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pruritus, odor and pain. The Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DQLI) expected to be less than 4 points from the initial score, and the patients are expected to present less than 7 points in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The experimental group scores will be less than the control group for quality of life, symptoms and distress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women at least 18 years old at the time of selection.
• Subjects diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa.
• Subjects that are in dermatological treatment.
• Patients should be able to understand and communicate with the investigator.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects suffering from a serious concomitant illness.
• Subjects with a mental illness.
• Subjects who are performing psychiatric treatment.
• Subjects who are performing psychotherapy sessions both individual and group.
• Patients who have alcohol dependence or drug abuse.
• Subjects that present legal incapacity or limited legal capacity.
• Subjects presenting illiteracy or language barriers.