The Scream by Munch vs. Sunflowers by van Gogh

∼a narrative approach for atopic dermatitis∼

Abstract

Interventions, mainly by telephone and facsimile, in the psychosocial aspect of a female patient of age 40 years with atopic dermatitis, with which favorable results were obtained, are reported. The variety of anxieties concerning atopic dermatitis was externalized as “The Scream by Munch”, and the patient was asked to restate as “Sunflowers by van Gogh” the dominant story concerning the atopic dermatitis which was clarified by relative influence questioning, as well as her resources for taking a stand against it. Although significant improvement was seen psychologically, it was considered that for the stabilization of the skin manifestations it is necessary to rewrite the problem-free alternative story to be more thick and heavy using techniques such as re-membering conversations and definitional ceremonies.Skin Research, Suppl. 18: 48-52, 2012