Treatment Modalities for Psychodermatological Diseases

Abstract

Although psychodermatologic diseases are diagnosed very easily, their treatment often poses a great deal since they are often associated with psychological conflicts and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders and delusional disorders. Therefore dermatological treatment modalities might be insufficient for psychodermatologic diseases. Associations between dermatological and psychiatric diseases and their pathological basis need to be known very well for the treatment success. In case of treatment failure or insufficient treatment, the patient's psychological assessment should be considered and psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, biofeedback and hypnosis may need to be added to treatment plan. Psychopharmacologic, psychotherapeutic and other treatment modalities for treatment of psychodermatological diseases that are associated with psychological conflicts and comorbid major psychiatric diseases are reviewed in this article. (Turkderm 2010; 44 Suppl 1: 46-51)