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Psychodermatology in Lithuania. A survey on knowledge, awareness, and practice patterns in Lithuanian dermatovenereologists

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and practice patterns of Lithuanian dermatovenereologists regarding psychocutaneous medicine. An online survey questionnaire was distributed to the members of the Lithuanian Association of Dermatovenereologists and to dermatovenereologists through public and private healthcare institutions in Lithuania. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to dermatovenereologists’ awareness, knowledge, experience, and training needs regarding psychocutaneous disorders. 50% of respondents reported having a good or excellent understanding and knowledge of psychodermatology, and 42% feel prepared to consult psychodermatology patients. 54% of doctors rated their preparedness to prescribe psychopharmacological treatment as poor. The most frequent diagnoses referred to mental health professionals were dermatitis artefacta, acne excoriée, other self-inflicted dermatoses, trichotillomania, and pruritus. The most common course of action with patients at high risk of suicide or other acute psychiatric condition was trying to provide psychological support during dermatovenereology consultation. The most frequent management tactic for patients with chronic psychological problems was a referral to a psychiatrist. 85% of all respondents would participate in educational events about psychodermatology. 70% expressed interest in events about psychopharmacological treatment in dermatology. Lithuanian dermatovenereologists have a good understanding and knowledge of psychodermatology and are willing to further their education in this field. However, some gaps remain. Many doctors reported feeling poorly prepared to administer psychopharmacological treatment to their patients and there seems to be a lack of formal training in psychodermatology in Lithuania.

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The data is available on request from the corresponding author. The data is not publicly available due to privacy restrictions.

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Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Dermatovenerology, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania

    Augustė Senulytė & Gabrielė Vasiliauskaitė

  2. Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos Centre of Dermatovenereology, Vilnius, Lithuania

    Gabija Rudzikaitė-Fergizė & Jūratė Grigaitienė

Authors
  1. Augustė Senulytė
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  2. Gabrielė Vasiliauskaitė
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  3. Gabija Rudzikaitė-Fergizė
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  4. Jūratė Grigaitienė
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Contributions

G.R. and J.G. - came up with the concept and design of the study, A.S., G.V. and G.R. - prepared the questionnaire, A.S. and G.V. - performed data analysis and wrote the main manuscript text, G.R. and J.G.- reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Augustė Senulytė.

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Senulytė, A., Vasiliauskaitė, G., Rudzikaitė-Fergizė, G. et al. Psychodermatology in Lithuania. A survey on knowledge, awareness, and practice patterns in Lithuanian dermatovenereologists. Arch Dermatol Res 315, 2351–2357 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-023-02631-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-023-02631-4

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