Dean's Grand Rounds - Psychodermatology: Treating mind and skin together

That the mind and skin are closely connected is intuitive and increasingly understood, but holistic care falls between interdisciplinary gaps. Psychiatrists are confident in the treatment of psychotic, obsessive-compulsive and affective disorders, but patients with conditions implicating the skin are far more likely to present to a dermatologist. General dermatologists are trained to identify the psychological impact of illness but are ill-equipped to provide adequate care for patients with a primary psychiatric issue. In conditions characterised by loss of insight, patients often pursue futile medical investigations from multiple clinicians while suffering from progressive symptom burden and functional restriction. 

Psychodermatology was developed to meet the needs of patients for whom a joined-up approach is essential. Collaboration between psychiatry and dermatology is not new, but services remain nascent. In a psychodermatology clinic, a psychiatrist and dermatologist assess patients together, often with additional nursing and psychological input. Current guidance recommends regional availability of these services, with referrals generally received from secondary care dermatology. However, national access to psychodermatology expertise remains patchy. A national monthly MDT attempts to fill this advice gap. 

This Dean's Grand Round aims to raise further awareness of psychodermatology for a psychiatric audience. We will present a theoretical overview of psychodermatological conditions and illustrate their impact through clinical and lived experience. We will show evidence of the impact that integrated psychodermatological services can make and advocate for psychiatrists to get involved through research and local service development.

This event will take place online via Zoom. Please ensure you have access to:

• a reliable internet connection;
• a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone;
• Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or the Zoom app. (You do not need to have a Zoom account to attend.)

Some users may experience difficulty joining Zoom meetings due to security settings. If this is the case, we suggest you select the option to join via a web browser, rather than the Zoom app. If you cannot join on your computer you can join on your phone, or catch up with the on-demand recording.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists assumes no responsibility if you cannot access this online event. Please read our Events Code of Conduct.

Find out more about the Dean's Grand Rounds, suggest your own session, and watch previous webinars on our website.