New Lifestyle Drugs and Somatoform Disorders in Dermatology

In 2007, the article highlighted the rise in the use of lifestyle drugs in dermatology, which are used by individuals to enhance appearance and quality of life rather than for medical diseases. These drugs, including finasteride for androgenic alopecia and botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes, can be misused by patients with somatoform disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), leading to chronic emotional disorders. The document stresses the importance of accurate diagnosis and the potential side effects and misuse of these drugs. It also notes the psychosocial implications and the increase in consultations for somatoform disorders following the introduction of drugs like finasteride. The paper concludes that dermatologists should be cautious with prescribing lifestyle drugs and consider psychotherapy or psychopharmacological treatment, as studies have shown the effectiveness of treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and fluoxetine for BDD.