P181 Revisiting patient needs in psychodermatology: a 2025 regional reaudit

Abstract

This reaudit aimed to review the patient population seen in the psychodermatology clinic and identify their clinical and psychological needs. Quantitative data were collected for patients seen between January and November 2025, including questionnaire scores [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], dermatological and psychiatric diagnoses, medications and appointment outcomes. Sixty-seven patients had appointments during the audit period; 57 attended (38, 67% female; 19, 33% male). Fifteen were new patients and 42 were follow-ups. All attending patients had a dermatological diagnosis, and 88% (n = 50) had a psychiatric diagnosis. Common dermatological conditions included chronic pruritus, acne, dermatitis, alopecia and psychogenic skin disorders. Psychiatric conditions included anxiety, depression, body dysmorphic disorder and delusional infestation. Eleven of the 15 new patients (73%) completed both the DLQI and HADS questionnaires. Among those who completed the DLQI (28%, 16 of 57), 75% (12 of 16) reported at least moderate impairment (DLQI ≥ 6). Of those completing HADS (25%, 14 of 57), 57% (8 of 14) had moderate-to-severe anxiety (HADS-Anxiety ≥ 11) and 21% (3 of 14) had moderate-to-severe depression (HADS-Depression ≥ 11). Most patients who completed both tools (85%, 11 of 13) showed discordant DLQI and HADS scores. In total, 70% of patients (40 of 57) were prescribed psychiatric medication before attendance, and 18% (10 of 57) had treatment initiated or adjusted in clinic. Suicidal ideation was reported by 16% (9 of 57). The majority (81%, 46 of 57) required follow-up appointments. In ongoing qualitative data collection, a large proportion of telephone-surveyed patients reported psychiatric distress for long periods before referral. Patients seen in the psychodermatology clinic present with complex dermatological and psychiatric comorbidities, often with significant quality-of-life impact. The findings emphasize the need for continued multidisciplinary management and improved routine screening using validated psychological measures.