A Psychodermatology Clinic in Israel: Concept and Format
A Psychodermatology Clinic in Israel: Concept and Format
Psychodermatology comprises any aspect of dermatology with psychological or psychiatric elements. Today, the recognition that at least 30–40% of all dermatologic patients also have psychological problems is well established, and is the reason why, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in psychodermatology among both dermatologists and psychiatrists. This interest led to the formation of psychodermatology as a subspecialty of dermatology. Nevertheless, although psychodermatologic problems were always there, when encountering them in the clinic, dermatologists traditionally tend to neglect them as being outside of their professional field, and many admit that knowledge about the diagnosis, treatment, or appropriate referral to mental health professionals is lacking. The reason is probably a lack of appropriate formal training, as well as prejudice of dermatologists toward mental disturbances.
Psychodermatology involves more than dealing with a group of particular skin diseases. It also represents an integrated approach to the patient, which is refreshing after years of reducing the patient to the sum of his/her body parts.
1. Psychodermatology – Terra Incognita
Psychodermatology comprises any aspect of dermatology with psychological or psychiatric elements. Today, the recognition that at least 30–40% of all dermatologic patients also have psychological problems is well established, and is the reason why, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in psychodermatology among both dermatologists and psychiatrists. This interest led to the formation of psychodermatology as a subspecialty of dermatology. Nevertheless, although psychodermatologic problems were always there, when encountering them in the clinic, dermatologists traditionally tend to neglect them as being outside of their professional field, and many admit that knowledge about the diagnosis, treatment, or appropriate referral to mental health professionals is lacking. The reason is probably a lack of appropriate formal training, as well as prejudice of dermatologists toward mental disturbances.
Psychodermatology involves more than dealing with a group of particular skin diseases. It also represents an integrated approach to the patient, which is refreshing after years of reducing the patient to the sum of his/her body parts.