Title : Amala model of a psychodermatology clinic: An experience
Abstract:
Background: Psychodermatology recognizes the intimate link between the skin and mind, addressing psychological contributors to dermatologic disease. To integrate this holistic perspective into routine care, we established a psychodermatology clinic at our tertiary centre. This report summarizes the initial eight-month experience and highlights its clinical impact.
Methods: All patients presenting with dermatological conditions influenced by psychological factors were co-evaluated by a dermatologist and a full-time in-house psychologist. Detailed clinical and psychometric assessments were followed by individualized non-pharmacologic therapies— Exposure and Response Therapy (ERT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Behaviour Modification (BM), Mental Relaxation (MR), Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT), and Psychoeducation (PE). Patients requiring pharmacologic or psychiatric intervention were referred appropriately.
Results: A total of 80 patients (mean age 35.9 ± 16.1 years, range 9–74 years; 71.2% female) were seen. The majority (70%) were in the 21–60-year age group. Twenty-six dermatological conditions were managed, the most frequent being pruritus (27.5%), psoriasis (11.2%), and atopic dermatitis (8.8%). Interventions were predominantly multimodal, averaging 2.1 therapy components per patient. Psychoeducation formed the core of management (87.5%), followed by HRT (41.2%), BM (35%), MR (25%), CBT (10%), and ERT (6%). The collaborative model facilitated improved coping, reduced symptom-related distress, and better adherence.
Conclusion: Our psychodermatology clinic demonstrates the feasibility and value of integrating psychological therapies into dermatologic care. Even in its infancy, this multidisciplinary model underscores the necessity of holistic, patient-centred management for psychocutaneous disorders and advocates replication in other tertiary setting.
