title: Evaluation and treatment of "psychogenic" pruritus and self-excoriation.
abstract: Psychogenic pruritus and self-excoriation are diagnoses of exclusion. Elimination of traditional organic causes often leads the clinician to label a symptom as psychogenic in origin and limits treatment options. This article examines the organic and psychologic causes and concomitants of dermatologic conditions associated with pruritus and self-excoriation. An organized cognitive framework is presented to guide the clinician in the evaluation and treatment of these patients. Specific treatment options are offered and relevant psychopharmacologic agents are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: SUNY Health Science Center, Brooklyn 11203.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Fried
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011537:Pruritus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*