A comparison of the outcome of cognitive behaviour therapy and hydroxyurea in sickle cell disease

A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted comparing outcomes for 36 adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) receiving treatment at a hospital in London. Standard measures for self-reported pain and health service utilization, quality of life, psychological coping, anxiety and depression were administered to 21 patients engaged in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and 15 patients treated with hydroxyurea (a disease-modifying drug). Patients who received CBT reported more pain episodes, shorter hospital admissions, more improved general health perceptions, and utilized significantly more psychological coping methods for pain than patients treated with hydroxyurea. There were no differences in mood. We conclude that both CBT and hydroxyurea appear to help improve quality of life in patients with SCD. CBT seems to have the additional advantage of increasing psychological coping ability, and may therefore be beneficial adjunctive to hydroxyurea.