Published Paper Details:

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired chronic depigmentation disorder characterized by sporadic loss of skin color. This can be physically disfiguring, psychologically devastating, and socially stigmatizing. However, Vitiligo is too often dismissed as a cosmetic condition with trivialization of the patients' distress. While there has been considerable research focused on dermatological approaches to managing Vitiligo, there is notable dearth of studies examining the psychological and emotional challenges associated with the treatment of patients with Vitiligo. Objective: This paper reviews the recent advances that have been made in the management of coping with the psychological impact of disfigurement in individuals with Vitiligo using different psychotherapeutic modalities. Methods: PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar databases were reviewed for studies investigating the effect of various psychotherapeutic techniques for the management of the psychosocial impact on individuals with Vitiligo. A total of 62 articles were obtained out of which 13 titles fit the study criteria and were selected for the purpose of this study. Results: Several studies including RCTS, review papers and semi-experimental studies support the effect of CBT, ACT, MBCT and Support Groups in the management of psychosocial impact of disfigurement cause by Vitiligo. Limitations: Larger prospective studies, especially RCTs are needed with larger sample sizes and a control group. Additionally, most of the participants in these studies were female. Prospective studies that include an equal distribution of male and female participants are required. Conclusion: Several studies have proven the benefits of adjuvant care in the form of CBT, MBCT, ACT and Support Groups for this population. These results potentially suggest that incorporating psychosocial care to the medical management of Vitiligo can exhibit greater results for the patient's general well-being and management of the disease.