There Is Hope: Autogenic Biofeedback Training for the Treatment of Psoriasis

Abstract

Many college students experience stress-related illness, and in one study, 82% of students reported significant improvement in health when they participated in a semester-long stress management program. The factors that contribute to symptom reduction are illustrated by the case report of a 23-year-old male student who had been suffering from psoriasis for the past 5 years, which was not alleviated with medication and traditional medical treatment. He participated in an integrated self-regulation program consisting of daily self-healing home practice for 3 weeks, a desensitization strategy, autogenic training, and biofeedback training, coupled with pre- and posttreatment biofeedback assessments. Results showed a significant improvement in the clearing of the skin, more positive self-talk, and improved posture. The benefits have been maintained at the 4-month follow-up. Discussed are the training components and procedures along with factors that contributed to the clinical success and that can be applied to numerous other stress-related disorders.