Psychocutaneous disease: Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 May;76(5):795-808. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.11.021.

Abstract

Building a strong therapeutic alliance with the patient is of utmost importance in the management of psychocutaneous disease. Optimal management of psychocutaneous disease includes both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. This article reviews psychotropic medications currently used for psychocutaneous disease, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics, with a discussion of relevant dosing regimens and adverse effects. Pruritus management is addressed. In addition, basic and complex forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and habit-reversal training, are described.

Keywords: antidepressant; antipsychotic; cognitive-behavioral therapy; drug; management; pruritus; psychocutaneous; psychotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / therapeutic use
  • Mental Disorders / complications
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Pruritus / therapy
  • Psychotherapy*
  • Skin Diseases / etiology*
  • Skin Diseases / therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives