Psychopharmacological treatment of dermatological patients – when simply talking does not help

Abstract

In dermatology, primary emotional disorders with cutaneous manifestations, secondary emotional disorders caused by dermatoses and multifactorial diseases are possible indications for the use of psychopharmaceuticals. Neuroleptics (anti-psychotics) are usually used in psychiatric illnesses, while antidepressants are foremost in treating depression as well as obsessive-compulsive, anxiety and panic disorders. Minor tranquilizers may be used symptomatically. To define the indications for mid- and long-term treatment with psychopharmaceuticals, the unequivocal diagnosis of the main and secondary psychiatric symptoms as well as the primary target symptoms must be designated. At the start of therapy planning, any possible desired and undesired side effects must be taken into account, such as stimulation, sedation, anticholinergic side effects or weight gain. The main antidepressants are the well-tolerated selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. A clear long-term plan and how to monitor it must be discussed with patient carefully because of the need for individual dose titration and the late onset of action of many of these medications. Good results can be achieved in dermatologic patients requiring psychopharmaceuticals if the indications are carefully assessed and the therapy logically structured.