Emotional disturbance in eczema: A study of symptom-reporting behaviour

摘要: INTRODUCTION As LONG AGO as 1842, the distinguished dermatologist Erasmus Wilson [I] when listing many local and constitutional causes of eczema, included among latter “affections nervous system, mental emotions, particularly depressing kind”. Today there is widespread acceptance dermatologists that psychological factors can be important in precipitating or perpetuating eczematous dermatoses [2], but problems implicit Wilson’s short statement are far from solved, literature presents a confused picture. This because methodological laxness studies, variability with which distinctions have been made between different sub-types vulnerable personality, psychiatric illness, less clear-cut stress reactions, effects chronic disease. Although most studies agree eczema patients personalities, they described very variously [3-131 immature, insecure, sadomasochistic, dependent, hiding dependence under layer resentment, exhibitionism, ambition conscientiousness. The incidence morbidity has also assessed [5, 15-171, regard to amount overt depression general level neuroticism. While no single specific personality discerned, one consistent theme literature, inhibition suppression aggressive impulses, those springing frustated dependency needs, often leading exacerbations [S, 6, 12, 18-231. Whatever rather than another psychosomatic disorder, crucial point this does not lead purely disturbance, e.g. an anxiety depressive reaction, disturbed behaviour. Instead, Groen’s sense [24] substituted though degree completeness varies case case. It seems likely both situational influence substitution, these need explored if we understand some apparent discrepancies literature. Many questions provoked by statement. What relation factors? Are ‘affections system’ recognizable disorders illnesses? How common morbid ? Is concomitant substitute for ‘mental emotion’? If either, what determining An opportunity investigate occurred during course controlled trial treatment management carried out at Middlesex Hospital association Sir Denis Hill Dr. F. R. Bettley.