Journal of

Background and Aim: The correlation between diseases and psychiatric problems had been evaluated recently. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in patients in psychiatric department of Yahya-Nejad Hospital in Babol, North of Iran, in 2008.
Methods: This cross sectional study was performed on 250 patients hospitalized in psychiatric department of Yahya-Nejad Hospital in Babol. They were examined by a dermatologist and laboratory examinations (skin smear and biopsy) were done if needed. Then a questionnaire including information about sex, age, job, past medical history and history of addiction, major stress, general appearance, psycological problems, previous and new dermatological diseases and treatment protocols was completed for every patient. Data were analyzed by SPSS 11 and P<0.05 was significant.
Results: Among two hundred and fifty patients (109 male and 141 female) with psychological problems, 166 patients had dermatologic diseases. Sixty six were male and 100 cases were female. Major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders had highest frequency in psychologic disorders. Seventy patients had treated their skin disorders.There was a significant relationship between stressors in the last six months with eczema, lichen simplex chronicus, acne, and rosacea. Correlations between schizophrenia and herpes simplex labialis (P=0.02), and PTSD with pediculosis were significant (P=0.004).

Conclusion: Dermatological disorders are associated with a variety of psychological problems that can affect patients. Increased understanding of biopsychosocial approches and laision among physicians, psychiatrists and dermatologists can be very useful and highly beneficial.