White paper on psychodermatology in Europe: A position paper from the EADV Psychodermatology Task Force and the European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry (ESDaP)

Psychodermatology is a subspecialty of dermatology that is of increasing interest to dermatologists and patients. The case for the provision of at least regional psychodermatology services across Europe is robust. Psychodermatology services have been shown to have better, quicker and more cost-efficient clinical outcomes for patients with psychodermatological conditions. Despite this, psychodermatology services are not uniformly available across Europe. In fact many countries have yet to establish dedicated psychodermatology services. In other countries psychodermatology services are in development. Even in countries where psychodermatolgy units have been established, the services are not available across the whole country. This is especially true for the provision of paediatric psychodermatology services. Also whilst most states across Europe are keen to develop psychodermatology services, the rate at which this development is being implemented is very slow. Our paper maps the current provision of psychodermatology services across Europe and indicates that there is still very much more work to be done in order to develop the comprehensive psychodermatology services across Europe, which are so crucial for our patients.

Automated summary

Psychodermatology is a subspecialty of dermatology that is gaining increasing attention from dermatologists and patients. The need for regional psychodermatology services across Europe has been proven, as these services provide better, faster, and more cost-efficient clinical outcomes for patients with psychodermatological conditions. However, such services are not uniformly available in Europe. Many countries have yet to establish dedicated psychodermatology services, while others are in the process of development. Even in countries with established psychodermatology units, the services are not accessible nationwide, especially for pediatric patients. Although most European states are keen to develop psychodermatology services, the progress is slow.