Psychosomatic concepts in dermatology. A dermatologist-psychoanalyst's viewpoint.

Few experienced clinicians remain unimpressed both by the influence of psychological and social factors on the physical state and by our relative inability to deal adequately with this aspect of the practice of dermatology. This article reviews the historical development of psychosomatic concepts, describes some theories concerning the process whereby somatization takes place and why a particular disease is "chosen," reviews some of the relevant basic science findings, offers a working classification of psychocutaneous disease, and, finally, makes some suggestions as to how we may become more effective in handling this important part of our clinical practice.