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. 2013 Jan;58(1):44-8.
doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.105287.

Primary psychiatric conditions: dermatitis artefacta, trichotillomania and neurotic excoriations

Jillian W Wong  1 , Tien V Nguyen, John Ym Koo
Affiliations

Primary psychiatric conditions: dermatitis artefacta, trichotillomania and neurotic excoriations

Jillian W Wong et al. Indian J Dermatol. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Primary psychiatric conditions encountered in dermatology include dermatitis artefacta, trichotillomania (TTM) and neurotic excoriations. For these disorders, the primary pathologic condition involves the psyche; therefore, any cutaneous findings are self-induced. Herein, we review common primary psychiatric conditions in dermatology - dermatitis artefacta, neurotic excoriations and TTM - and examine their epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis and treatment strategies. For all primary psychiatric disorders, the most effective underlying strategy is to first establish a strong therapeutic rapport with the patient. Various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies can then be attempted afterwards to successfully manage these patients.

Keywords: Dermatitis artefacta; neurotic excoriations; primary psychiatric disorder; psychodermatology; trichotillomania.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Nil.

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