Abstract
Functional disorders within dermatology present as various constellations of skin symptoms, but without evidence of organic pathology. Examples can include mucocutaneous pain syndromes, functional pruritus, somatoform pain disorder and rarer entities, such as undifferentiated somatoform idiopathic anaphylaxis and multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. These conditions can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, and can present challenges in communication, investigation and management. The aetiology of functional disorders is not fully understood, but with an effective collaborative approach, a psychological explanation for these symptoms is often found. A structured approach to assessment can lead to a confident diagnosis, and understanding a patient’s belief system and the impact of symptoms on their functioning can give better grounding for successful management. Treatment is dependent on the level of the patient’s engagement with healthcare professionals, and often takes a measured and rehabilitative approach. Psychological therapies have been shown to be effective, often alongside both psychopharmacological and topical medications.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Clinical and Experimental Dermatology |
| Early online date | 29 Aug 2019 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 29 Aug 2019 |
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Functional symptoms in dermatology : Part 2. / Ball, S. L. (Lead / Corresponding author); Howes, C.; Affleck, A. G.
In: Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 29.08.2019.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Functional symptoms in dermatology
T2 - Part 2
AU - Ball, S. L.
AU - Howes, C.
AU - Affleck, A. G.
PY - 2019/8/29
Y1 - 2019/8/29
N2 - Functional disorders within dermatology present as various constellations of skin symptoms, but without evidence of organic pathology. Examples can include mucocutaneous pain syndromes, functional pruritus, somatoform pain disorder and rarer entities, such as undifferentiated somatoform idiopathic anaphylaxis and multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. These conditions can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, and can present challenges in communication, investigation and management. The aetiology of functional disorders is not fully understood, but with an effective collaborative approach, a psychological explanation for these symptoms is often found. A structured approach to assessment can lead to a confident diagnosis, and understanding a patient’s belief system and the impact of symptoms on their functioning can give better grounding for successful management. Treatment is dependent on the level of the patient’s engagement with healthcare professionals, and often takes a measured and rehabilitative approach. Psychological therapies have been shown to be effective, often alongside both psychopharmacological and topical medications.
AB - Functional disorders within dermatology present as various constellations of skin symptoms, but without evidence of organic pathology. Examples can include mucocutaneous pain syndromes, functional pruritus, somatoform pain disorder and rarer entities, such as undifferentiated somatoform idiopathic anaphylaxis and multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. These conditions can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, and can present challenges in communication, investigation and management. The aetiology of functional disorders is not fully understood, but with an effective collaborative approach, a psychological explanation for these symptoms is often found. A structured approach to assessment can lead to a confident diagnosis, and understanding a patient’s belief system and the impact of symptoms on their functioning can give better grounding for successful management. Treatment is dependent on the level of the patient’s engagement with healthcare professionals, and often takes a measured and rehabilitative approach. Psychological therapies have been shown to be effective, often alongside both psychopharmacological and topical medications.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85071370321&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/ced.14064
DO - 10.1111/ced.14064
M3 - Review article
C2 - 31468592
AN - SCOPUS:85071370321
JO - Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
JF - Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
SN - 0307-6938
ER -