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Psychologic trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, and dermatology
Madhulika A Gupta1, Ruth A Lanius, Bessel A Van der Kolk
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. magupta@uwo.ca
Dermatologic Clinics
|August 23, 2005
Summary
Psychological trauma can lead to persistent skin issues, even after the event. These can include sensory flashbacks, sweating, unexplained skin symptoms, and self-harm behaviors in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychodermatology
- Trauma Studies
- Dermatology
Background:
- Psychological trauma involves events overwhelming coping mechanisms.
- Trauma can trigger lasting dermatologic symptoms.
Observation:
- Symptoms include cutaneous sensory flashbacks.
- Autonomic hyperarousal (e.g., sweating) and stress-reactive dermatoses can occur.
- Medically unexplained cutaneous symptoms (conversion symptoms) and self-injury behaviors are observed.
Findings:
- Trauma-related skin conditions manifest in various ways.
- These dermatologic symptoms persist post-trauma.
- Self-injury behaviors like trichotillomania are linked to posttraumatic stress disorder.
Implications:
- Understanding psychodermatologic links is crucial for effective treatment.
- Clinicians should consider psychological trauma in patients with chronic skin conditions.
- Integrated care approaches may improve outcomes for trauma survivors with dermatologic issues.