The psychiatric significance of dermatitis artefacta.
A total of 71 patients (12 males and 59 females) who attended the University Skin Clinic of Basle in the years 1956-1982, have been investigated by a dermatologist, a psychiatrist and a psychologist. Among 55 female patients (group I and II) 14 had a suicide attempt in their history. Of the 39 female patients of group I 25 (64%) had suffered from a stressful childhood event. Of group I (39 female patients) 19 (48.7%) had had psychiatric therapy in the past or at the time of investigation; 23 patients (59%) had suffered from depressions either in the past or at the time of investigation. Among group II (16 patients) 11 (68.7%) had had psychiatric therapy in the past or at the time of investigation. The psychological test investigation (Colour Pyramid Test and Rosenzweig Picture-Frustration Test) revealed artefact patients to be in a state of considerable depressive-aggressive tension without being able to handle their emotions and impulses in an adequate manner.
D000328:Adult; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000523:psychology*; D004325:Dreams; D005162:Factitious Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012649:Self Concept; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000523:psychology*; D012803:Sick Role; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology