Overview of Psychodermatology

Abstract

• Secondary psychiatric disorders, in which the presence of a dermatologic illness secondarily leads to psychiatric symptoms. This review will improve psychiatrists’ awareness of this field by exploring these 3 types of psychodermatologic illnesses, and discussing key examples in each category. In the area of psychophysiologic disorders, the article discusses atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and urticaria. In the area of primary psychiatric disorders, the article discusses delusions of parasitosis, trichotillomania, chronic idiopathic pruritus, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and personality disorders. In the area of secondary psychiatric disorders, the article discusses alopecia areata, acne, and vitiligo.