SUICIDE IN DERMATOLOGICAL PATIENTS

Sixteen patients, seven men and nine women, who committed suicide afte r presenting with dermatological problems to two dermatologists, are d escribed, Most of the patients had either a body image disorder (dysmo rphophobia) or acne, In addition, patients with long-standing and debi litating skin disease may become depressed enough to commit suicide an d there is always an attendant risk of suicide in patients with establ ished, severe psychiatric problems, who are referred to dermatologists with concurrent skin disorders, It is important to recognize that pat ients with dermatological non-disease, and particularly women with fac ial complaints, may be extremely depressed and at risk of suicide. Fac ial scarring, particularly in men, may be an 'at risk' factor for suic ide, emphasizing the positive early therapeutic role of isotretinoin, Funding problems in regard to provision of this drug could have potent ially fatal consequences, The provision of a liaison clinic within a d ermatology department may have an important role in managing patients thought to be at risk of suicide.