Psychiatric Comorbidity in Dermatology Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre in Western U.P

Skin is an organ that has a primary function in tactile receptivity and reacts directly upon emotionalstimuli. Dermatological practice involves a psychosomatic dimension. A relationship betweenpsychological factors and skin diseases has long been hypothesized. Psychodermatology addressesthe interaction between mind and skin. It is divided into three categories according to the relationshipbetween skin diseases and mental disorders. This article reviews different dermatological conditionsunder each of the three categories namely psychosomatic disorders, dermatological conditions dueto primary and secondary psychiatric disorders. Dermatological conditions resulting from psychiatricconditions like stress/depression and those caused by psychiatric disorders are discussed. This reviewintends to present the relationship between the ‘skin’ and the ‘mind’ specifically from the dermatologypoint of view. The effects on the quality of life as a result of psychodermatological conditions arehighlighted. A multidisciplinary approach for treatment from both dermatologic and psychiatricviewpoints are suggested.