PS09 Building an integrated psychodermatology service in central Europe: clinical implementation and research experience from Pécs, Hungary

Abstract

Psychodermatology is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field addressing the complex interactions between dermatological diseases and psychological factors. In 2022, an integrated psychodermatology service was established at the University of Pécs, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology. We would like to present the first such initiative and a national milestone in structured psychodermatological care in Hungary, integrating both clinical practice and research. The service was developed as a multidisciplinary collaboration involving dermatologists, a dermatologist–psychotherapist, a clinical psychologist, dermatology residents and a consulting psychiatrist. A key achievement was the establishment of the first psychological outpatient clinic embedded within a Hungarian dermatology department, enabling early psychological screening, shared case formulation and coordinated care. Close cooperation with the psychiatric and behavioural science departments has further supported educational activities and professional sensitization, including the organization of a psychodermatology symposium within the Hungarian Psychiatric Association’s annual congress. Alongside clinical development, a structured research programme was established. Current projects investigate psychological aspects and quality of life in dermato-oncology; chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis; the psychological and motivational background of tattoos; body dysmorphic disorder; and the dermatological relevance of personality disorders and behavioural addictions. Participation in international collaborations, including the SkinAddict project, has highlighted the high prevalence and clinical impact of addiction-­related vulnerabilities among patients with chronic skin diseases. In parallel, the working group actively promotes psychodermatological awareness among dermatologists, psychiatrists and aesthetic medicine professionals. The Pécs experience shows that integrated psychodermatological care can be successfully implemented even in settings with limited prior infrastructure. The combination of multidisciplinary clinical work and focused research supports patient-centred care and professional education, and may be relevant for similar initiatives elsewhere.