Psychodermatology: a brief review for clinicians

Abstract

Psychodermatologic disorders are conditions involving an interaction between the mind and the skin. These disorders fall into three major categories: psychosomatic disorders, primary psychiatric disorders and secondary psychiatric disorders (Koo 1995). The treatment of psychodermatologic disorders is almost impossible without a holistic team approach involving psychiatrist, dermatologist and psychologist. Majority of psychodermatologic disorders can be treated with cognitive-bihevioral psychotherapy, psychoterapeutic stress-and-anxiety-management techniques and psychotropic drugs. Psychopharmacologic treatment with anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers can be prescribed by dermatologist, after consulting the psychiatrist.