Dermatological disorders in patients suffering from psychiatric illnesses: A hospital-based study

ABSTRACT Background: Psychiatric disorders often present with dermatological manifestations, which may be linked to both the psychological state and the side effects of psychiatric medications. Understanding these skin conditions can help in better patient care. This study aims to explore the spectrum and associations of skin manifestations in individuals with psychiatric conditions and psychiatric treatments. Materials and Methods: The study, conducted at MGM Hospital and Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, Telangana. The study involved 87 patients from January 2021 to June 2022. Patients with psychiatric disorders and skin conditions were included, provided informed consent, and agreed to follow-ups. The ethical committee approved the study, including psychiatric evaluations, general and dermatological examinations, and necessary investigations where needed. Data were recorded in a structured format, and follow-up visits were scheduled to monitor progress. Results: In this study, the gender distribution was 45.98% of females and 54.02% of males. About 28.74% of patients were 40–49 years old, 25.29% were 30–39, and 17.24% were 50–59. The most common psychiatric diagnosis was schizophrenia (55.17%), followed by depression (17.24%). Dermatological issues were split between 48.51% infectious and 51.49% noninfectious disorders, with fungal infections being the most common. Atypical antipsychotics were the most frequently prescribed medication for psychiatric illness. Conclusion: This study finds a link between psychiatric disorders and skin conditions, with Schizophrenia and fungal infections being common. Male patients aged 30–50 years are most affected, and marital separation is more frequent in females. Comprehensive management requires regular skin examination, physical and mental health education, and collaboration between dermatologists and psychiatrists. Limitation: The study’s limitations include small sample size, potential selection bias from retrospective data, the influence of socioeconomic factors on outcomes, and a cross-sectional design that prevents assessing long-term effects.