Clinical Psychodermatology: A Casebook

Psychodermatology, also referred to as psychocutaneous medicine, lies at the intersection of two medical specialties: psychiatry and dermatology. A primarily psychiatric condition can present with dermatologic symptoms, and many dermatologic conditions have profound psychological impacts. In Clinical Psychodermatology: From Diagnosis to Therapy, the compiled case reports have been organized into central themes: general principles (chapters 1-3), psychosis-spectrum disorders (chapters 4 and 11), impulse control disorders (chapters 5, 6, 7, and 9), and anxiety- and mood-associated disorders (chapters 8, 10, 11, and 12). Treatment often warrants both pharmacological and psychological intervention, and a multidisciplinary approach is the most successful. Collaboration between dermatologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social services leads to higher patient satisfaction and improved outcomes. Unfortunately, the bias against mental illness serves as a barrier. To alleviate distress and optimize functioning, a mental health clinician familiar with addressing these conditions is ideal, and in areas where such specialists are scarce, an empathic therapist is likely to be worthwhile.