Psychodermatology

This article provides the reader with an overview of the current evidence-based concepts regarding the nature and treatment of disorders within the field of psychodermatology. Psychiatric comorbidity is high in patients with dermatological conditions and stress has a significant impact on the presentation and course of skin disease. Many of the psychophysiological disorders respond to a bio-psychosocial model of management where the reduction of stress in a key therapeutic target. In addition, psychodermatologists are often called upon to treat complex psychiatric disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder and delusional parasitosis. Managing such a patient group requires considerable clinical skill but treatment options are slowly gathering bodies of evidence to support their efficacy and effectiveness. Often overlooked, is the role of medication in the aetiology of psychodermatological disorders and clinicians should remain mindful of this when assessing their patients.