Clinical Features and Drug Treatment of Psychodermatological Disorders

Abstract

The skin is intricately involved with emotional and behavioural problems, both in a causative and a reactive way. This can lead to the development of psychodermatological disorders. In addition to its primary role of tactile receptivity, the skin reacts directly to emotional stimuli. The high visibility of dermatoses makes the skin a direct target for behavioural problems. Furthermore, self-destructive tendencies (such as dermatitis artefacta) and hypochondriacal features are often expressed through dermatological symptoms.In view of the clinical interface between dermatology and psychiatry, a combination of pharmacological and non pharmacological (psychotherapeutic and behavioural) therapies is recommended for the treatment of psychodermatological disorders. Psychotropic drug treatments that may be useful include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and antipsychotics.