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.