[Digital health applications in psychotherapeutic care in dermatology?-Overview of offers, opportunities, and challenges].

Abstract

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne, or atopic dermatitis are frequently associated with psychological comorbidities including depression, anxiety disorders, or sleep disturbances. These burdens are clinically relevant and have a significant impact on both the course of the disease and patients' quality of life. However, access to psychotherapeutic care is often hindered by long waiting times and a lack of established structures within standard dermatological care. The integration of digital interventions therefore appears both important and promising. The aim of this work is to provide a structured overview of currently available digital health applications (DiGAs) that are relevant for managing psychological and behavioral concomitant issues in dermatology, and to critically appraise their opportunities and challenges in clinical use. The data source was the official DiGA directory maintained by BfArM (cut-off: May 2025). Following a complete screening, 31 applications were identified based on predefined criteria: patient-guided, and theoretically grounded interventions targeting depression, anxiety, sleep, stress/burnout, substance use, eating disorders/obesity, or pain. These were categorized by indication (ICD-10), therapeutic approach, platform, intended duration of use, and availability of contact/support elements. Opportunities for implementation and integration into routine dermatological care, as well as remaining challenges, are discussed.