Online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as an adjuvant-treatment for Chinese patients with psoriasis: A randomized controlled trial
Yan Zhao, Yamei Li, Yunbo Zhang, Mingxin Yan, Qingxuan Du, Jinjin Huang, Fei Li, Dan Han, Yan Huo Zhou
JAAD International February 20, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2026.02.003 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 109 |
| Population | Patients with psoriasis |
| Intervention | online Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 12-week assessment period |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Randomized controlled trial Cognition Cognitive therapy Clinical trial Physical therapy Psoriasis |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Adjunctive online MBCT led to improvements in psoriasis severity, depression, quality of life, and itching compared to treatment as usual alone. |
Abstract
Background: Patients with psoriasis often experience emotional distress, which may be alleviated through psychological interventions.
Objective: To evaluate online Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as an adjuvant treatment for psoriasis, focusing on severity of lesion, anxiety, depression, quality of life, and itching.
Methods: This randomized trial enrolled 109 patients with psoriasis assigned to either treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU plus MBCT, which included 8 weekly online sessions. Primary outcomes included Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Self-Rating Anxiety/Depression Scale (SAS/SDS), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Itching was a secondary outcome measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Treatment effects were analyzed with mixed linear models.
Results: = .028, d = 0.295). No significant between-group difference was found for anxiety.
Limitations: Single-center.
Conclusions: Adjunctive online MBCT led to improvements in psoriasis severity, depression, DLQI and itching, suggesting its potential to enhance comprehensive psoriasis management.