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Psycho-cutaneous disorders: an epidemiologic study
A H Ehsani1, S Toosi, M Mirshams Shahshahani
1Department of Dermatology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
Summary
This study investigated psychodermatoses in Iranian dermatology patients, finding neurotic excoriation most common. Mood and anxiety disorders were prevalent, with drug abuse linked to delusional parasitosis.
Area of Science:
- Psychodermatology
- Psychiatry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Psychodermatology examines the interplay between mental health and skin conditions.
- Recognizing psychological factors is crucial for managing a significant portion of dermatology patients.
- Prevalence data on psychodermatoses in Iran is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of common psychodermatoses among dermatology patients in Iran.
- To identify associated psychological disorders within specific psychodermatoses categories.
Main Methods:
- Inclusion of patients with primary dermatologic complaints and suspected psychocutaneous issues.
- Comprehensive dermatologic assessment followed by psychological evaluation.
- Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders using DSM-IV criteria for conditions like delusional parasitosis, trichotillomania, dermatitis artefacta, and neurotic excoriation.
Main Results:
- 178 patients (56.2% female) participated.
- Neurotic excoriation was the most frequent diagnosis, followed by trichotillomania, delusional parasitosis, and dermatitis artefacta.
- Mood disorders were most common, followed by anxiety disorders and drug-induced symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Psychodermatoses, except delusional parasitosis, appear more common in females.
- Mood and anxiety disorders were frequently observed in patients with dermatitis artefacta and neurotic excoriation.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder was prevalent in trichotillomania, while drug abuse was a significant factor in delusional parasitosis.
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