Dermatology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. Diseases involving the skin have a psychological effect on people. Emily Ellen, a patient diagnosed with psoriasis began seeing bumps on her belly about two centimeters in diameter, and as the research continued to find a cure, they had spread to the rest of her body except for her hands, feet, and face. She sought medical help, first seeing her general doctor; the cream he gave her was called Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1%. However that treatment was unsuccessful, and she decided to try a spray for athlete’s foot. She went to a dermatologist to take a biopsy and found that she had psoriasis. Emily’s lesions could be covered up;, however, patients with lesions that are on …show more content…
The visibility of the conditions affects one’s lifestyle by influencing where they go out in public and who they decide to go with. Psychophysiologic disorders, primary psychiatric disorders, and secondary psychiatric disorders impact the patient’s personal life through self-image from personal points of view and from the public’s. Emily’s psoriasis could be covered, but her knowledge of knowing it is there and making an effort to cover it up makes it a mental game. Psoriasis being a common disease brought Emily much burden. Psychologically, the appearance of skin is very important and affects individuals mentally.
Psychosomatic disorders affect external organs. Psychophysiology disorder (a broader term for psychosomatic disorder) is characterized by physical symptoms that are caused by emotional factors and involve a single organ system usually under autonomic nervous system innervation (American Psychiatric Association, 1968). The diagnostic for a psychosomatic disorder is one that may be significantly or temporarily related to a physical disorder.