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Query: UMLS:C0011570 (depression)
 172,036 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Dermatitis artefacta is a factitious disorder in which there is deliberate conscious production of skin lesions. There are only a few reports that evaluate instances of dermatitis artefacta in the pediatric population. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the characteristics of patients with this disorder who were seen at the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City. The records of all patients diagnosed with dermatitis artefacta from January 1980 to December 1999 were analyzed. There were 29 patients (25 females, 4 males). The upper limbs and the face were the most commonly involved areas. Superficial erosions were the most frequent initial event, and residual lesions consisted of scars and crusts. Time taken to diagnosis was on average 10 months. Half of the patients were lost to follow-up. No correlation was found between the length of time from the disease onset to diagnosis, the type of lesions, and the clinical outcome. Twelve patients had an associated systemic disorder. The possible association with chronic disease has not been sufficiently stressed and demonstrates the importance of providing psychological support for these patients. Psychiatric diagnoses were anxiety, depression, and personality disorder. No correlation was found between the psychiatric diagnosis and the outcome of dermatitis artefacta. A young age at presentation, which has been considered important as a favorable prognostic sign, could not be demonstrated in our patients.
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PMID:Dermatitis artefacta in pediatric patients: experience at the national institute of pediatrics. 1516 12

Dermatitis artefacta is a disease characterized by self-inflicted skin lesions in fully aware patients. Mechanical and chemical devices are most commonly used to produce such injuries. Several psychological disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, hysteria, etc. are associated with this kind of disease. Most of the patients are young females aged between 15 and 30, but the diagnosis of dermatitis artefacta may even be made in pediatric patients or elderly people. Because of its rarity and the polymorphism of lesions, dermatitis artefacta is often a challenge for the clinicians. More difficulties might be due to the lack of cooperation in these patients, who usually refuse the dialogue with doctors and deny their primary role in damaging their skin. We present a case of an elderly woman who showed a peculiar pattern of deep excoriating lesions disseminated on the upper part of her body, with an evident state of depression. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, that is often long lasting and difficult in such cases, was made by teamwork of dermatologists, psychiatrists and psychologists, leading to steady control of impulses and full remission of cutaneous symptoms.
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PMID:Dermatitis artefacta in a patient affected by impulse control disorder: case report. 2148 63

Dermatitis artifacta is a psychodermatological condition in which skin lesions are produced or inflicted by the patient's own actions. Patients present with lesions of various forms and bizarre shapes, which are difficult to recognize. Lesions can mimic many different dermatological diseases, but they mostly resemble superficial erosion, hyperpigmented maculae, excoriation or ulcerations. Patients often deny responsibility, so the direct confrontation will mostly lead to withdrawal and seeking help somewhere else. An effective therapeutic relationship requires a nonjudgemental, empathic and supportive environment in order to encourage return to follow up, and eventually talk about the possible psychological basis of the disease. Dermatitis artifacta is difficult to diagnose and is rarely recognized, but it is estimated that 0.2%-0.5% of dermatological patients suffer from this disease. There is generally considered to be a female preponderance, but estimates vary from 1:3 to 1:20 male to female ratio. Most affected patients are in their teens or early adulthood. Many patients suffer from a psychiatric illness, mostly borderline personality disorder. Patients may suffer from anxiety, depression or somatoform disorders. There is strong association with eating disorders; it is estimated that dermatitis artifacta occurs in approximately one-third of patients with anorexia or bulimia. Patients may have subconscious compulsion based on psychological or emotional need to elicit care; the illness often serves as an extreme form of nonverbal communication. Dermatitis artifacta occurs in patients with poor coping skills and often represents a maladaptive response to psychological stressor. Treatment is very difficult and with variable outcomes. Dermatitis artifacta is a challenging condition that requires both dermatological and psychiatric expertise, but unfortunately psychiatric treatment is rarely conducted since patients deny their responsibility and refuse psychiatric help.
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PMID:[Dermatitis artifacta--psychiatric causes]. 2319 36

Dermatitis artefacta is a self-inflicted skin disease with a multifactorial aetiology. The condition can be a symptom of an underlying psychiatric condition or a sign of psycho-social stressors. This paper gives an updated view on dermatitis artefacta. The majority of the patients have some form of psychiatric co-morbidity including depression and anxiety. Many have experienced negative life events such as diseases or deaths. Personality disorders were reported in only two studies. Treatment options besides the acute treatment of the skin were psychotherapy and psychotropic drugs.
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PMID:[Dermatitis artefacta]. 2685 12