- Skin diseases that contribute to emotional problems
- Why should a person suffering from psoriasis help from a psychodermatologist?
- Psychodermatological consultations and support groups
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Psychodermatology is a field dealing with psychological problems that are a secondary consequence of skin diseases, or are a primary problem and have a direct impact on the course of skin disorders. The therapy is aimed at patients who, in addition to dermatological treatment, also need psychological support. People with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or acne benefit from the help of psychodermatologists.
Patients with skin diseases have to deal not only with the dermatological disease itself, but often also with mood disorders. As shown by studies of people with dermatological diseases, as much as 40 percent. of them have emotional problems. It is worth noting that ¾ of these disorders are disorders closely related to the skin disease, and only 20 percent. may be a coincidence. Psychological problems found in people with skin conditions vary in nature. They can manifest themselves as e.g. lowered self-esteem, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, but often there are also suicide attempts.
A patient with visible skin lesions functions less well in society, remains in isolation, and may also have difficulties finding a job or establishing proper interpersonal relationships. Often, such patients feel marginalized by their own environment, which, not knowing the nature of the disease well, is afraid of entering into closer relationships (e.g. with a psoriasis patient) for fear of "contracting" the disease.
Skin diseases that contribute to emotional problems
The most vulnerable to mental disorders are people whose dermatological diseases have a significant impact on the external appearance (they cannot be masked, for example, under clothes). These are patients with acne on the face, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or alopecia areata. But the clients of psychodermatological clinics are also people with serious emotional problems resulting from the direct appearance of the skin, such as dysmorphophobia, parasitic delusions, and those whose body changes are a side effect of the use of steroids or retinoids.
Why should a person suffering from psoriasis help from a psychodermatologist?
It may seem that there is not much in the treatment of the diseases mentionedcommon with psychology and psychiatry, but this is not true. You should know that fatigue, stress, worse mood, and above all - mental attitude have a huge impact on the appearance of the skin. It has been proven that stress can be a factor causing and maintaining many dermatological diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, urticaria, and even recurrent herpes. This is because of the links that take place in the body between the immune system and the skin. The skin's reaction to stress (the intensification of changes under stressful situations) and the patient's response to the intensification of skin changes (poor skin appearance is often the cause of a change in mood) is a vicious cycle. Therefore, for several years now, not only dermatologists, but also psychodermatologists have been dealing with patients with skin diseases.
Psychodermatological consultations and support groups
In psychodermatology, during individual consultations with the patient, the emphasis is on talking to the patient primarily about his problems and feelings. There is usually no time for such talks during visits to a dermatologist - doctors dealing with skin problems focus on choosing the right therapy, not on caring for the patient's mental state. Only a psychodermatologist who has not only the appropriate knowledge and skills, but also time, can fully devote his attention to listening to the patient and talking about his problems.
For people with chronic dermatological diseases (psoriasis, atopic inflammation or eczema), apart from individual consultations, support groups can be of great help. During meetings with other patients, you can not only exchange experiences, but also overcome the psychological barrier related to leaving home and being among people. It is also a good opportunity to make new friends. You should know that meetings of support groups are directed not only to the patients themselves, but also to their families.