Psychotropic Drugs in Dermatology. Part 2: Antipsychotics, Sedative-Hypnotics and Anxiolytics in Dermatology.

Abstract

Dermatology as a branch is a panoramic canvas with a spectrum of manifestation, and psychodermatology is one emerging paradigm in its epicentre. Traditionally, it was thought that psychiatrists deal with "internal" nonvisible disease, while dermatology centres around "external" visible dermatoses and cosmetic disfigurement, hence, with this belief, psychodermatology appeared as an oxymoron to many. Management of psychodermatological disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach, which includes a combination of psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and timely referral as and when needed. The commonly available psychotherapeutics at the disposal of dermatologists include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics, the last three of which have been focused in this part of the review.