CLINICAL-FEATURES AND DRUG-TREATMENT OF PSYCHODERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS

The skin is intricately involved with emotional and behavioural proble ms, both in a causative and a reactive way. This can lead to the devel opment of psychodermatological disorders. In addition to its primary r ole of tactile receptivity, the skin reacts directly to emotional stim uli. The high visibility of dermatoses makes the skin a direct target for behavioural problems. Furthermore, self-destructive tendencies (su ch as dermatitis artefacta) and hypochondriacal features are often exp ressed through dermatological symptoms. In view of the clinical interf ace between dermatology and psychiatry, a combination of pharmacologic al and nonpharmacological (psychotherapeutic and behavioural) therapie s is recommended for the treatment of psychodermatological disorders. Psychotropic drug treatments that may be useful include benzodiazepine s, antidepressants and antipsychotics.