Psychodermatology in Ukraine and Belarus: an Eastern European perspective

Abstract

Patients with skin diseases often have psychiatric problems that require appropriate assessment and correction, but these symptoms are frequently overlooked and undertreated. The aim of this study was to assess the level of training, awareness and attitude about psychocutaneous disorders among dermatologists in Eastern Europe. The survey study included 396 dermatologists. Only 16.16 % of the respondents reported a clear understanding of term psychodermatology, 47.47% of them no training and had attended no educational events on psychodermatology. 17. 8 % of dermatologists never referred such patients to psychiatrists. Around 85 % of the respondents were unaware of any psychodermatology resources. Overall 61 % of the dermatologists expressed interest in attending any kind of CME activity on psychodermatology. Survey results showed that knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment for psychocutaneous disorders is lacking. These findings support the need for improvement in training in psychodermatology and the holding of regular CME events.