Introduction

Psychodermatology is an increasingly recognized, important branch of dermatology. It bridges various clinical specialties, in particular dermatology, psychiatry, paediatrics, trichology, social work, and psychology. Other terms for psychodermatology include psychocutaneous medicine and psychosomatic skin disease. Patients with psychodermatological disease may present with primary psychiatric disease (such as delusional infestation, body dysmorphic disorder or factitious skin diseases), or with psychosocial co-morbidities of skin disease. In the past, patients with psychocutaneous disease have been poorly managed as dermatology colleagues struggle, in general dermatology clinics, to meet the complex needs of these patients. In addition, inadequate resources (of time especially) have meant that patients have remained unengaged and sub-optimally managed. Many patients with psychocutaneous disease are reluctant to attend purely psychiatric clinics. For these reasons, over the previous few decades, the sub-specialty of psychodermatology has emerged to address the clinical needs of this group of patients and the research/academic advancement of this subspecialty. In this chapter, we will discuss the nature of psychocutaneous disease, models of providing psychodermatology services, how to set up a psychodermatology clinic, the psychodermatology multidisciplinary team, DSM-5, tools for assessing and monitoring psychosocial disease in dermatology patients, and (as for all chapters in this book) practical tips for healthcare professional. This book aims to be a very hands on practical guide to the management of patients with psychocutaneous disease. This chapter (and book), is aimed at all healthcare professionals who work with this group of patients.