Psychodermatology knowledge, awareness and patterns of practice among Moroccan dermatologists: a national survey study

This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first from North Africa to analyse the status of psychodermatology. We found significant gaps in understanding, knowledge and practice matters regarding psychodermatology. We recommend that a psychodermatology curriculum should be included in training programmes and dermatology-psychiatry liaison is necessary to manage this patient population. We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and patterns of practice of Moroccan dermatologists and their awareness of psychodermatology (PD). A survey questionnaire was distributed to dermatologists and dermatology trainees from May to July 2022. A total of 112 completed surveys were received. Of these, 63.4% were dermatologists and 36.6% were dermatology residents. Of the participants, 72.3% summarized PD as the psychological impact of dermatological conditions and 50.9% reported frequent involvement with PD. Patients with a psychocutaneous condition represented a significant proportion of dermatological consultations (41.1% of dermatologists stated that 10-25% of their consultations were for psychocutaneous conditions). Only 17% felt 'very comfortable' in the management of PD conditions and 56.3% were not confident prescribing psychotropics. A total of 88.4% had never participated in PD training. Moroccan dermatologists lack a full understanding and proper training in PD. We recommend the incorporation of PD curriculum in training programmes and advocate dermatology and psychiatry liaison.

Automated summary

This study is the first from North Africa to analyze the status of psychodermatology. Significant gaps were found in understanding, knowledge, and practice matters regarding psychodermatology. A psychodermatology curriculum should be included in training programs, and dermatology-psychiatry liaison is necessary to manage this patient population.