Atopic Dermatitis
Conditions
Keywords
Pediatric
Brief summary
The main purpose of this study is to adapt cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to improve itch in children with eczema.
Detailed description
Eczema is characterized by chronic itch. Many children develop a chronic focus (rumination) on their itch. Rumination is a maladaptive method of responding to distress, in which the individual thinks obsessively about the source of distress. The rumination on chronic itch in eczema can have detrimental effects on one's quality of life, as well as induce significant anxiety about when itch will return, how long it will last, and how it will affect physical and social functioning. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a frontline treatment for rumination, as it focuses on teaching strategies so that the individual can examine distressing thoughts objectively and determine their validity, replace negative thinking patterns with more adaptive thought patterns, and increase the individual's awareness to their problematic thought patterns. Additionally, CBT helps the individual to implement behavioral strategies to cope with possibly anxiety-inducing situations, such as scratching while trying to go to sleep. The investigators hypothesize that an Itch CBT intervention is an effective, non-medication-based, easy to implement strategy to improve itch in children with eczema.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALItch CBT
Telemedicine CBT sessions with a therapist to address atopic dermatitis related concerns.
Sponsors
Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Northwestern University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
8 Years to 17 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis \[assessed by Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM)score of \>-8 OR NRS itch score of \>= 4\]. * English speaking. * Currently receiving treatment at Lurie Children's Hospital for atopic dermatitis. * Parent or guardian available to participate in protocol. * Have sufficient technology (e.g., cell phone, computer, tablet, etc.) that can be used to access Zoom conference technology for telemedicine visits.
Exclusion criteria
* Inability to comprehend and complete questionnaires. * History of intellectual disability or psychosis.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Itch Severity Numerical Rating Scale | Baseline to Week 4 | Numerical rating scale to assess itch severity, scale of 0-10, higher score means higher itch severity and worse outcome. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Itch Rumination Questionnaire | Baseline to Week 4 | Questionnaire to assess common fear and anxiety around itch |
| PROMIS Anxiety and Depression | Baseline to Week 4 | Questionnaire to assess anxiety and depression symptoms in pediatric populations |
| PROMIS Pediatric Itch - Short Form 1 (2+6) | Baseline to Week 4 | Questionnaire to assess level and severity of itch and common disturbances due to itch (social, emotional, physical) |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed