THE MIND/BODY CONNECTION
Janine Mendes-Franco
“Neuropsychology and dermatology definitely intersect.”
The connection between the mind and skin is a fascinating field that sits at the crossroads of neuropsychology and dermatology. It primarily manifests through psychodermatological disorders — conditions where psychological factors profoundly affect skin health.
One of the most intriguing and challenging of these is delusions of parasitosis, where people falsely believe their skin is infested with parasites, leading to significant distress and often self-inflicted skin damage.
Despite the fact that there is no medical evidence supporting this belief, patients say they feeling crawling, biting, or stinging sensations on their skin, which they attribute to imagined insects, worms, etc. As a result, they often engage in compulsive behaviours like scratching, washing, or applying harmful products in an attempt to rid themselves of the perceived infestation. Naturally, this can lead to significant skin damage, infections, and scarring.
The condition is classified as a somatic delusion, where psychological distress manifests as a physical complaint, making it challenging to manage. Addressing these types of conditions therefore requires a multidisciplinary approach, often combining dermatological care with mental health treatments.
Antipsychotic medications are often the cornerstone of treatment. They work by targeting dopamine receptors in the brain, helping to alleviate delusional thinking and reduce compulsive behaviours.
Patients tend to resist at first, as they believe their condition to be purely physical, but with empathetic communication and strong support — including cognitive behavioural therapy — this approach can lead to significant improvement. It’s always inspirational to see patients develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the anxiety level regarding their skin sensations.
By combining dermatological expertise with awareness about the role mental health plays, conditions like these can be overcome, improving the imagined symptoms and greatly enhancing quality of life.