Establishing and Developing a Paediatric Psychodermatology Service and Our Experience of a New Paediatric Psychodermatology Clinic During the Covid 19 Pandemic

Abstract

Children and young people (CYP) with skin and hair conditions are at an increased risk of mental health problems and vice versa. Current child and adolescent mental health services are already stretched and in our experience, this unique combination of symptoms and signs requires a multi-disciplinary approach. We report our experience of establishing a paediatric psychodermatology clinic where, at each appointment, CYP are seen by a consultant dermatologist and a clinical psychologist initially jointly and then individually to ensure all viewpoints are heard and a collaborative treatment plan can be agreed. The clinic was established one month prior to the national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and the face-to-face model was converted to a virtual format. CYP are now seen either face to face or virtually according to CYP/parent/carer preference and this hybrid model increases accessibility and has reduced DNA rates. Referrals were received from primary, secondary and tertiary care settings. Thirty -six new patients were seen and followed-up over a 2 year period, age range 3-17 years old. The majority of patients presented with compulsive hair pulling (trichotillomania) and medically unexplained signs (dermatitis artefacta); other problems seen were eczema, skin picking and acne. Half of the patients required additional psychology sessions. Seventy-six percent of patients have been discharged, almost half back to the care of their general practitioner. We use pre- and post-clinic questionnaires and share these and feedback from CYP/families who have found this clinic model helpful and effective.