Barkauskaitė, Rūta

In scientific research, the search for effective methods of psychological assistance in various hair diseases is gaining momentum. Currently, there is a scarcity of published data on successful cases involving the use of specific psychotherapeutic techniques. The role of interdisciplinary approaches involving physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychotherapeutic groups, and support groups cannot be undermined. This chapter will present the perspective on the possibilities and limitations of psychotherapy based on psychotherapeutic experience, patients with various forms of alopecia, and still fragmentary, but reliable scientific data.

Body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) are recurrent, compulsive, destructive behaviours directed towards the body. Although studies have demonstrated a 12-14% prevalence rate, researchers found that dermatologists and psychiatrists show a lack of knowledge regarding psychodermatology resources and information about BFRB disorders (BFRBDs) such as trichotillomania (TTM). There is limited research about treatments including ones investigating the clinical applications of various self-help training such as decoupling (DC) and DC in sensu (DC-is) as well as about habit-reversal training (HRT). HRT is a five-component behavioural intervention that aims to develop a competing response to a specific unwanted behaviour. Studies have found substantial support for HRT's efficacy in treating a variety of maladaptive repetitive behaviours including onychotillomania, TTM, skin-picking disorder and chronic cheek biting. Additionally, many psychotherapies can augmented HRT. Psychotherapies include acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness mediation and the cognitive psychophysiological model. A recently investigated variant of HRT, DC-is, resulted in consistently satisfactory objective and subjective improvement for treating BFRBDs, and HRT showed good subjective but poor objective improvement compared with standard DC. HRT and HRT variants are effective therapeutic treatments for BFRBDs; however, further randomized double-blinded and placebo-controlled trials are required to examine HRT's therapeutic profile. Body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) are recurrent, compulsive, destructive behaviours directed towards the body. There is no recognized pharmacological therapy available as first-line treatment. Habit-reversal therapy (HRT) is a five-component behavioural intervention. Many studies have found support for HRT's efficacy in treating BFRB disorders including onychotillomania, trichotillomania, skin-picking disorder and chronic cheek biting. Combination with other psychotherapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness mediation and the cognitive psychophysiological model have shown some promise.

The article reviews Rene Descarte's mind-body dualism theory, which is also relevant in modern life. This philosopher's theory became the basis for the branch of psychiatry to separate from other branches of medical science and become an independent branch of science that treats mental illnesses. The fact that when the mind is diseased, the body is also diseased, and although two different substances have different properties, it shows that mind and body are nevertheless more connected than we can imagine. The purpose of the article is to analyze Rene Descartes' theory of dualism to provide insights that would help specialists treating mental illnesses to understand that the body, although separated from the mind, reports signs and signals of mental illness, and on the contrary, if the body is in a stressful state, it can signal the reincarnation of stress on a higher emotional level, in the mind. Nevertheless, the theory has been developed to this day, it solves the current issues of treatment and methods of psychiatric diseases, which were proposed even in the time of Descartes (conversation, drugs).

Многочисленные аспекты жизни пациентов, страдающих заболеваниями волос, с недавнего времени стали предметом интереса психологии. Это касается как причин возникновения многочисленных трихопатий, так и факторов, усугубляющих их течение и влияющих на их лечение. Кроме того, крайне важным для этой группы заболеваний является влияние на социальную жизнь пациентов, которая относится к сфере психологии. Помощь пациентам психотрихологического спектра предполагает совместную работу три- хологов, психиатров и психологов. Отсутствие такой помощи пациентам сводит дерматологические консультации к попыткам исправить последствия без поиска причин и делает пациентов пленниками лечения без перспектив решения проблемы. В психологической практике рекомендуется внедрение программ, направленных на улучшение ф ункционирования пациентов и повышение эффективности их адаптации к имеющемуся состоянию, а также создание групп поддержки.

Hair loss can significantly impact an individual's psychological state, self-image, and can lead to numerous personal, social, and occupational problems. Although these impairments are well documented in primary studies and reviews, and the need for appropriate psychological help is emphasized, there is still a lack of knowledge for a broader and specific picture. The patient's perspective is vital while seeking to understand the content of the variables like "impaired body image" or "low self-esteem." This article advocates the need for studies involving methodologies allowing to explore the complexity and depth of experience. A better understanding of patients' states, reactions, and needs might contribute to the practice of healthcare professionals seeking the best possible help. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of people with alopecia areata in Lithuania using a phenomenological approach. Experiences of six patients with varying degrees of alopecia areata, four women and two men (mean age 27 years), were explored. Data were obtained using an unstructured interview and were analyzed based on Colaizzi's phenomenological approach. This article explores findings related to patient's psychological state covering two superordinate themes: 1) devastating loss of perceived self, and 2) grieving and the process of acceptance. The insights for the appropriate therapeutic intervention were formulated. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.