Skin deep: Unraveling the psychodermatological nexus in psychiatric patients

Summary: Abstract Body: Psychodermatology bridges dermatology and psychiatry, examining the relationship between mental health and skin conditions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and types of dermatological disorders in psychiatric patients and investigate correlations with specific psychiatric conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center with 174 psychiatric patients, comprising 104 males (59.8%) and 70 females (40.2%). Participants underwent dermatological and psychiatric evaluations using standardized diagnostic criteria. The prevalence of dermatological conditions was analyzed alongside psychiatric diagnoses, including schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders. Results revealed that 62% (n=108) of the patients presented with at least one dermatological condition. Infectious skin diseases were noted in 58% (n=50) of patients, with fungal infections comprising the majority (68%, n=34). These infections were prevalent in patients with schizophrenia (38%, n=34, p=0.04), likely attributed to medication side effects, poor hygiene, and self-care deficits. Non-infectious conditions affected 64% (n=56) of the cohort. Eczema was observed in 28% (n=24), while psoriasis accounted for 16% (n=14). Both conditions showed a strong correlation with depression and anxiety (46%, n=40, p=0.01), likely driven by chronic stress-induced immune dysregulation. Psychodermatoses, including delusions of parasitosis, were diagnosed in 22% (n=20), highlighting the interplay of psychological distress and perceived dermatological symptoms. Chronic stress emerged as a key factor exacerbating inflammatory skin conditions. These findings highlight the burden of psychodermatological conditions and underscore the need for integrated dermatological and psychiatric care to enhance patient outcomes. Balakrishnan Kamaraj¹, Hrithik Dakssesh Putta Nagarajan¹, Faiza F. Khan⁵, Sarthak Sharma², Subash Ganesan¹, Muhammed Abdullah Naveed⁴, Fatima Shahid³, Gurunathan Srinivasan⁶, Balaji Baskar¹, Sri Ram¹ 1. Madurai Medical College, Madurai, TN, India. 2. Government Medical College Jammu, Jammu, India. 3. King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. 4. Dow Medical College, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. 5. Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. 6. Stanley Medical College, Chennai, TN, India. Clinical Research: Epidemiology and Observational Research