Psychosomatic liaison service in dermatology - Need for psychotherapeutic interventions and their realization

Background. Empirical investigations examining the psychosocial distress and need for care of dermatology patients are rare. Little is known about the use of psychotherapeutic interventions in routine care. Objective: To evaluate the psychosocial distress of dermatological inpatients, the need for psychotherapeutic interventions and their realization in the framework of a psychosomatic liaison service. Methods: 86 patients from one unit at the University Dermatology Clinic in Freiburg underwent psychodiagnostic interviews and completed self-rating instruments, elucidating mental disorders, psychosocial distress, coping methods, quality of life, treatment motivation and psychotherapeutic interventions. Results: Using ICD-10 criteria, mental and behavioral disorders were diagnosed in 46%; most frequent were mood and anxiety disorders. Professional assessment indicated a need for psychotherapeutic treatment in 51%, while 28% of the patients wished for psychotherapy; actual intervention occurred in 38%. Conclusions:The need for psychotherapeutic treatment can only be handled within the framework of a liaison service in close collaboration with care givers. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.