Psychodermatology
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Psychodermatology is the treatment of skin disorders using psychological and psychiatric techniques by addressing the interaction between mind and skin. Existant statistical evidence does not appear to support these claims.[1]
About
Psychiatry is more focused on the “internal” nonvisible disease, and dermatology is focused on the “external” visible disease. Connecting the 2 disciplines is a complex interplay between neuroendocrine and immune systems that has been described as the NICS, or the neuro-immuno-cutaneous system. The interaction between nervous system, skin, and immunity has been explained by release of mediators from NICS.1 In the course of several inflammatory skin diseases and psychiatric conditions, the NICS is destabilized. In more than one third of dermatology patients, effective management of the skin condition involves consideration of associated psychologic factors.2 Dermatologists have stressed the need for psychiatric consultation in general, and psychological factors may be of particular concern in chronic intractable dermatologic conditions, such as eczema, prurigo, and psoriasis. [2]
Conditions and treatments
Frequently treated conditions are: psoriasis, eczema, hives, genital and oral herpes, acne, warts, skin allergies, pain, burning sensations, and hair loss. Psychodermatological treatment techniques include psychotherapy, meditation, relaxation, hypnosis, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi and anti-anxiety drugs.[3][4][5][6]
Controversy
In a 2013 paper published in the Clinics in Dermatology, the official journal of the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, the facts and controversies of this topic were examined with the conclusion:
Although clinical experience is often in concordance with this notion, apparently scientific proof can sometimes be challenging rather than straight forward. Although many data have been published, it appears that not enough good statistical evidence exists to support them. The difficulty in validating beyond a doubt the stress-skin interactions has rendered some skepticism among physicians.[1]
Harriet Hall notes that the specialty may not be needed at all becausemedicine already takes a holistic approach to treating a patient.[7]
See also
References
- ^ a b Orion, Edith; Wolf, Ronni. "Psychological factors in skin diseases: Stress and skin: Facts and controversies". Clinics in Dermatology, The official journal of the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology (IACD). Retrieved 9 February 2017.
- ^ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1911167/
- ^ SINGER, NATASHA. "SKIN DEEP; If You Think It, It Will Clear". query.nytimes.com. NYT. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
- ^ Jafferany M (2007). "Psychodermatology: a guide to understanding common psychocutaneous disorders". Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 9: 203–13. doi:10.4088/pcc.v09n0306. PMC 1911167. PMID 17632653.
- ^ DeWeerdt Sarah (2012). "Psychodermatology: An emotional response". Nature. 492: S62 – S63. doi:10.1038/492S62a.
- ^ Mapes, Diane (2007-02-12). "Does your skin need a shrink?". MSNBC. Retrieved 2013-08-03.
- ^ "Psychodermatology?". Science-Based Medicine – Exploring issues and controversies in the relationship between science and medicine. 2018-04-17. Retrieved 2019-06-26.
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