Psychodermatology in psychiatry: awareness and education among psychiatry trainees.

Abstract

Survey data indicates that 98% of patients with skin disease report that their condition affects their emotional and psychological wellbeing.1 Despite this, access to specialist mental health support for such patients remains limited throughout the UK.2 A significant proportion of patients with psychodermatological disease manifest a primary psychiatric or psychological disorder for which care may be sought in mental health settings rather than in dermatology services. It is recognised, however, that psychiatrists may lack confidence in diagnosing and managing psychodermatological problems.3,4 It is our impression that psychiatry trainees in particular may have limited awareness and experience of this important field. We conducted a survey to evaluate psychiatry trainees awareness, experience, and education in psychodermatology.