Psychodermatology: The Intersection of Dermatology and Psychiatry

    January 2015 in “ Advances in Psychosomatic Medicine
    Gabrielle Brown, Mona Malakouti, Eric J. Sorenson, Rishu Gupta, John Koo
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    TLDR Many skin patients also have mental health issues, and doctors should treat both together.
    The document from 2015 discusses psychodermatology, which examines the overlap between dermatology and psychiatry. It highlights that up to one-third of dermatologic patients may have a psychiatric comorbidity and categorizes psychodermatologic disorders into four types: primary psychiatric disorders, secondary psychiatric disorders, psychophysiologic disorders, and cutaneous sensory disorders. The document notes that only 18% of dermatologists and 21% of psychiatrists have a clear understanding of psychodermatology and stresses the importance of a holistic treatment approach. It details conditions such as Delusional Infestations, Neurotic Excoriations, and Factitial Dermatitis, providing prevalence rates, patient demographics, and treatment options, including the use of antipsychotics and SSRIs. Additionally, it covers trichotillomania (TTM) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), their prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment options, emphasizing the effectiveness of a combination of psychopharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions.
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