A Randomised Control Trial of Integrative Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Alopecia

A Randomised Control Trial of Integrative Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Alopecia: A Pilot Study

This Randomised Control Trial (RCT) aims to test a novel Alopecia-tailored, protocolled, integrative individual psychological intervention offered to patients with enduring Alopecia. The pilot study aims to assess the impact of the intervention on 8 patients, by assessing changes in their psychological and physical symptoms (stress, anxiety, depression, quality of life, scalp hair, and other bio-markers) compared to 7 patients in the wait-list control group.

Alopecia is a stress-related auto-immune skin condition that results in hair-loss on the scalp and around the body. This pilot RCT aims to test a newly developed Alopecia-specific, psychological intervention with 8 patients diagnosed with enduring Alopecia. The intervention is an Integrative Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, implemented through a protocolled programme entailing 12 weeks of hourly individual sessions. The trial will be delivered at The Dermatology Department at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London. The pilot study aims to evaluate the impact of the intervention on patients' psychological and physical symptoms (stress, anxiety, depression, quality of life, scalp hair, and other bio-markers) compared to the wait-list control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Alopecia received by medical profession over 1 year prior to beginning trial
• Fluent in Written and Verbal English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Another more dominant skin condition
• Another more dominant severe and enduring mental illness
• Women who are pregnant
• Learning difficulties, brain injuries or dementia
• Drug and alcohol dependency
• Received therapy in the last year