Annals of Medical and Surgical Dermatology

ABSTRACT

Psychodermatology is still a comparatively recent and underdeveloped field of dermatology whose clinical significance and application have only expanded recently, although the history of this field is long [1]. It intersects many disciplines, including dermatology, psychology, sociology, psychiatry, neuroscience, and aesthetics [1].

Several studies in dermatology have shown that psychiatric morbidity is 30-40% in outpatients and up to 60% in inpatients [2]. 85% of patients with dermatological disorders stated that psychological aspects of their skin disorders play an important role in their condition [3]. The link between psychiatric disorders and dermatological disorders is well-reported [4]. Many dermatological disorders are linked to psychiatric disorders such as depressive disorders (including major depression), psychoses (including schizophrenia), personality disorders, dissociative personality disorders, anxiety disorders (including phobias), bipolar disorders, substance abuse disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder [4]. According to a recent study of a nationwide survey by the working party of the British Association of Dermatologists, 17% of dermatology patients require supportive psychological assistance to deal with the distress brought on by their skin condition, 14% have a psychological condition that exacerbates their skin disease, 8% have psychiatric problems worsen because of their skin disorders, and 3% have a primary psychiatric disorder [2].

Psychodermatology is categorized into 4 subcategories: Psychophysiological disorders, primary psychiatric disorders, secondary psychiatric disorders, and skin sensory disorders [5]. These subcategories are demonstrated and summarized in the following table (Table 1) [5,6].

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