Psychodermatology in Balkans: Knowledge, awareness, and practice patterns of dermatologists in Albania

The aim of this study is to find out the practice patterns, awareness, and knowledge about psychodermatology in Albanian dermatologists. A survey questionnaire was sent to Albanian dermatologists by mail and distributed during a regional dermatology conference. The dermatologists were requested to provide information on demographic variables, level of training, referral patterns, degree of comfort in managing psychocutaneous disorders, awareness of community resources, and interest in continuing medical educational activities. A total of 75 surveys were mailed in and 41 were returned for analysis. Only 13.2% of dermatologists reported clear understanding of psychodermatology and 41.5% reported being somewhat comfortable in diagnosing and treating psychocutaneous disorders, however requiring further help. Psoriasis, prurigo, and acne were the most common diagnoses associated with psychiatric involvement. The most common diagnoses referred by dermatologists to psychiatrists were psoriasis, prurigo, acne, and trichotillomania. Almost all 98% of dermatologists were not aware of any community resources. About 70% of dermatologists expressed interest in attending continuing medical educational activities. Albanian dermatologist have significant gap in the knowledge, training, awareness, and in treating psychocutaneous disease.