Obsessive-compulsive disorders in dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Until the 1980s, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) were considered rare and almost impossible to treat, but it is now recognized that they are frequently encountered and can respond to treatment. Many OCD involve the skin and are therefore observed by dermatologists: we call them dermo-OCD (DOCD). However, despite this, there are few reports in the dermatological literature and the majority are by American authors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to offer a critical rediscussion of the diagnostic picture of this pathology on the basis of a review of the literature and the clinical observations of the authors. The main difficulties that dermatologists may encounter are described and some therapeutic guidelines are given.

CONCLUSIONS: A large number of OCD are frequently observed by dermatologists, but not all of them are recognized as DOCD.