LAUSR

As discussed by Jafferany et al., in our study, there was also a positive correlation (P = 0.01) between the level of training and comfort level of a dermatologist in treating these conditions. Pattern of prescription of psychotropic medicines was similar to Kawahara et al., where 21% did not prescribe psychotropics despite being sufficiently trained while 15% prescribed cautiously. Seventy-three percent of respondents in our study believed that medications prescribed for dermatological problems may have psychiatric side effects. This is similar to the study by Kawahara et al., where 87% of respondents expressed a similar statement, confirming the lack of training and comfort level in dermatologists in two different countries. Of the respondents who believed that prescribed medications could have psychiatric side effects, only 22% routinely assessed their patients for the side effects. This strongly re-enforces the need for psychocutaneous training. On the option of availability of a psychocutaneous clinic, 23.5% wanted a psychiatrist available for immediate consultation, 30% weekly, 27.7% monthly, while 2.4% did not believe in a service of this kind. In a UK study regarding the provision of psychodermatology services, despite a large number, only 8% had access to a psychologist and only 6% to a dermatologist with interest in psychodermatology. The majority mentioned two to three topics in psychocutaneous medicine that were of special interest to them. Twentyfour percent failed to mention any topic. More than 70% of the respondents considered training in psychodermatology as very important. When queried about their interest in a seminar on this topic, 58.4% were very interested, 39.8% somewhat, and 1.8% failed to register an interest. In the study by Jafferany et al., about 39% of dermatologists expressed interest in attending psychodermatology seminars. In a Chilean study, 50% of dermatologists expressed interest in psychodermatology, while in Turkey(1), 58.3% of dermatologists were willing to attend CME courses. The high level of interest in training in our survey respondents indicates existing dearth of knowledge and resources in the dermatology community regarding psychodermatology. Our study demonstrates gaps in dermatologists’ awareness, diagnoses, and management about psychodermatological disorders. More training and awareness could be achieved through changes in curriculum of residency programs and regular continuing medical education activities. Referral to a specialist clinic and/or appropriate liaison between psychiatry and dermatology could prove very helpful in the treatment of these patients.