Global Awareness, Knowledge, and Practice Patterns of Psychocutaneous Medicine: A Primary Care Perspective

To report findings generated from an analysis of available literature on psychodermatology knowledge, awareness, and practice patterns among dermatologists worldwide to better elucidate their educational needs and referral practices.

To identify literature from inception to December 23, 2020, the following search strategy was used within PubMed and Google Scholar databases: psychodermatology OR psychocutaneous disorders OR psychodermatology practice patterns OR psychodermatology awareness OR psychodermatology attitudes OR psychodermatology knowledge. Non-English studies were excluded. Studies were included if they were identified as having collected data from a survey instrument assessing psychodermatology awareness, knowledge, and practice patterns of dermatologists and dermatology trainees.

: Of 1,347 records screened, a total of 12 cross-sectional studies were identified as having collected data from 2,466 dermatologists in 18 countries worldwide. Individual study and overall response frequencies were extracted for each variable of interest by an independent reviewer.

Although most respondents provided weekly psychodermatologic care, only 13% reported feeling very comfortable treating patients with psychocutaneous concerns. Only 19% of respondents had a clear understanding of psychodermatology, and almost two-thirds of participants had no formal training in psychodermatology. Seventy-three percent of dermatologists reported interest in continuing medical education.

A considerable number of patients present to their physician with a psychocutaneous concern. As such, dermatologists, psychiatrists, and primary care providers may benefit from an understanding of the presentations and management of the most common psychodermatology complaints. Incorporation of psychodermatology curriculums into training programs and educational activities should be considered.