The role of psychological factors in dermatologic conditions

Knowledge about the psychiatric factors affecting dermatologic illness is far from conclusive. Studies in the past decade have strengthened concepts regarding associated psychological factors. Many dermatologic conditions are now considered in the context of genetic predisposition, personality, and biopsychosocial factors. Several psychotropic medications have been observed to affect dermatologic conditions. This article reviews the research and clinical reports of the past decade that address nosologic and diagnostic aspects of psychological factors affecting dermatologic conditions. This article is a result of the efforts of a work group to propose revisions to the DSM-III-R diagnostic category of psychological factors affecting physical condition and supports the need for a systematic, nosologic schema that would potentially increase our knowledge and improve our understanding of this important psychosomatic domain.