Psychopharmacology in Psychodermatology

BACKGROUND: The management of psychodermatologic disease often involves the use of psychotropics by dermatologists. A general approach to the psychopharmacologic management of psychodermatological disease may be of assistance to the dermatologist. OBJECTIVE: We review and provide a current psychopharmacologically based approach to management of common psychopathologies associated with psychodermatologic disorders, common side effects, and potential drug interactions that may occur with selected psychotropics. METHODS: Using relevant MeSH terms, we performed a review of the literature from 1980 to 2006. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Effective psychopharmacologic management of psychodermatologic disease involves identifying and basing treatment on the associated psychopathology; familiarity with a variety of psychotropic agents, including antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics; and the involvement of a psychiatrist when possible.