Prevalence of psychotropic medication use among cosmetic and medical dermatology patients: A comparative study - 09/08/11

Doi : 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.11.1067

Jeffrey S. Orringer, MD ^⁎ , Yolanda Rosi Helfrich, MD, Ted Hamilton, MS, Claire Friedman, Timothy M. Johnson, MD, Dana L. Sachs, MD
From the Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School

Reprint requests: Jeffrey S. Orringer, MD, University of Michigan Health System, 1910 Taubman Center, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0314.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Abstract

Background

Little is known about the psychologic status of cosmetically oriented dermatology patients.

Objective

We sought to determine the prevalence of psychotropic medication use among such patients to offer insight into the rates of psychopathology in this group.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients seeking consultation at a cosmetic dermatology practice, recorded patients’ use of psychotropic medicines, and compared this with data from a control group of medical dermatology patients.

Results

Both groups reported rates of psychotropic medication use above those expected in the general population. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of psychotropic drug use between cosmetic (18%) and medical (17%) dermatology patients.

Limitations

There is not a one-to-one correspondence between psychotropic medication use and the presence of psychopathology. Data are based on patient health histories and, thus, may be subject to underreporting.

Conclusions

There is a relatively high rate of psychotropic drug use among all patients seeking care from dermatologists, but this does not appear to be more common among patients interested in undergoing cosmetic procedures.

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