Basic psychopharmacological treatment model in psychocutaneous disorders

Abstract

Psychodermatology addresses the connection between mind and skin. Psychodermatological disorders are mainly classified in to three major groups. First group is called Psychophysiologic disorders which are characterized by exacerbation or flare ups in skin lesion secondary to stress; primary psychiatric disorders is another group where no recognizable skin conditions present but all skin lesions are either self-inflicted, delusional, or obsessive in nature. Secondary psychiatric disorders are characterized by psychological factors associated with skin lesions. Here, skin lesions are not much destructive but psychological percussion are significantly affecting patient's self-esteem. Treatment of psychocutaneous disorders is always a challenge for dermatologist secondary to gaps in knowledge and awareness among dermatologists in general and lack of knowledge about psychotropic medications. This brief review will focus on four main psychopathologies which occur in the majority of psychocutaneous disorders.