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.


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.
Shukla
Rahul
R
Department of Dermatology, University of Toronto, ON. rahul.shukla@utoronto.ca
Sasseville
Denis
D