Welcome to the Psychodermatology | World Day 2024!

Dear Partners & Colleagues,

Skin health is an intricate balance between physical and psychological factors, shaping our overall well-being. We are delighted to announce the return of World Psychodermatology Day on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Psychodermatology continues to evolve, weaving together insights from dermatology and psychiatry to enhance patient care. Join us for a day of exploration and collaboration, where experts, clinicians, and enthusiasts convene to delve deeper into the mind-skin connection.

As we embark on this journey, we invite you to partner with us in advancing research, fostering collaboration, and amplifying our impact on patient lives. Together, let's uncover new horizons in psychodermatology and make a lasting difference. Thank you for your invaluable support and partnership.

Program Highlights:

• Basic Psychodermatology, Chair: Haiping Zhang, Co-Chair: Abineetha Hosthota; Panelists: Swapna Bondade, Ilknur Altunay, Vanessa Cutler

Basic Psychodermatology dives into the evolving integration of dermatology and psychiatry, emphasizing the united approach needed for optimal patient outcomes. Explore the urgent need for dedicated psychodermatology clinics, the latest insights into the neuro-immuno-cutaneous endocrine (NICE) system, and the real-world impact of the brain-skin axis. Gain perspectives on China’s unique psychodermatology challenges and solutions, setting the stage for a global approach to mind-skin health.

• Chronic Skin Disorders, Chair: John Koo, Co-chair: Margo Gkini; Panelists: Tarun Narang, Zeba Hafeez, Anna Evalnova

Explore the profound psychological impact of chronic skin disorders in this session, from acne and psoriasis to vitiligo and neglected tropical skin diseases. Delve into the mental toll these conditions take on patients, beyond visible symptoms, and uncover advanced psychodermatology approaches for managing complex issues like delusional parasitosis. This session offers a comprehensive look at the unseen struggles of skin disorders, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental health care in dermatology.

• Itch, Chair: Abdul Latheef; Co-chair: Prajwal Pudasaini; Panelists: Piotr Krajewski, Alexandra Stefaniak, Barbara Roque Ferreira

Session: "Itch" delves into the complex world of chronic pruritic disorders, unraveling the psychocutaneous challenges behind persistent itching. Explore psychogenic pruritus, advanced management of prurigo nodularis, and the latest insights into cutaneous sensory syndrome. This session provides a critical look at the intersection of mind and skin, offering fresh perspectives on diagnosing and managing these perplexing conditions.

• OCD Spectrum Disorders, Chair: George Kroumpouzos; Co-chair: Christian Stierle; Panelists: Alia Ahmed, George Kroumpouzos, Tanyo Taniv

Session: "OCD Spectrum Disorders" explores the complex interplay between obsessive-compulsive behaviors and skin health. From body-focused repetitive behaviors to Zoom dysmorphia, delve into the psychological underpinnings of aesthetics and the management of body dysmorphic disorder. Gain a deeper understanding of trichotillomania, from initial diagnosis to advanced treatments, and uncover strategies to tackle these challenging conditions at the crossroads of psychology and dermatology.

• Special Topics in Psychodermatology, Chair: Ladan Mostaghimi; Co-Chair: Oleksandr Litus; Panelists: Dimitre Dimitrov, Caroline Stamu-Obrein, Sanan Karimov

Delve into critical and cutting-edge areas of the field. Explore psychosexual disorders, suicidality, the impact of sleep on skin health, and innovative AI applications, among other pivotal subjects, and reshape our understanding and treatment of dermatological conditions.

• Psychotrichology, Chair: Yuliya Ovcharenko, Co-Chair: Nino Lortkipanidze; Panelists: Asmahane Souissi, Ruta Barkauskaite, Yuliya Ovcharenko

Psychotrichology tackle the psychological aspects of hair loss, from unmet needs and common disorders to the challenges of diagnosing trichotillomania. We’ll also address the stress-hair loss link, the impact of alopecia areata on self-image, and its often invisible effects. Let’s sharpen our focus on how psychology intersects with hair health.

Celebrated under the auspice of:

• GlobalSkin – International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations. “GlobalSkin envisions a world in which people living with dermatological diseases and skin traumas can easily access the care and treatment they need, when they need it, and can live without stigmatization, persecution or economic disadvantages due to their conditions.”
• IFPA – International Federation of Psoriasis Associations. “IFPA works on behalf of 125 million people living with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. Through empowerment of members, global advocacy and awareness campaigns, IFPA aims to achieve a world without suffering from psoriasis.”
• CSD – Coalition of Skin Diseases Organization. “As the largest consortium of skin disease patient advocacy organizations in the United States, the efforts of the Coalition of Skin Diseases (CSD) aim to ensure that all Americans living with dermatological diseases and skin traumas receive the care they need to live healthy and productive lives.”

Organized by Psychodermatology Societies from around the World:

• APMNA – Association for Psychocutaneous medicine of North America
• ESDaP – European Society for Dermatology and Psychiatry
• JPSD – Japanese Psychosomatic Dermatology
• Chinese Psychodermatology Group
• PDAI – Psychodermatology Association of India
• ADEPS Argentina – Academia Argentina de Dermatologia Y Psiquiatria
• DKPM – German College of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy
• Psychodermatology UK
• UADV – Ukrainian Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
• UHRS – Ukranian Hair Research Society / Psychotricology Interests Group
• STDV – Tunisian Society of Dermatology and Venereology
• MEIDAM – Middle East International Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine Association
• INDERCOS – International Dermatology & Cosmetology Congress
• SODVELON – Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal
• SOMADER – Société Malgache de Dermatologie
• Mykolas Romeris University – Institute of Psychology and Centre of Experimental Psychology

Together, we will unlock new possibilities in patient care and well-being.

Prof. Mohammad Jafferany,

Organizer of the PsyDerm | World Day 2023

Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Central Michigan University College of Medicine | CMU Medical Education Partners

Association for Psychocutaneous medicine of North America