Date of Award

8-5-2024

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Clinton Billhorn

Abstract

Background: There is a high prevalence of mental health comorbidities in those with dermatologic conditions given the visible nature of many conditions. However, mental health often fails to be addressed due to lack of mental health education, stigma around mental health, and lack of mental health resources for patients. Purpose: This research study aims to assess how patients and providers experience and address mental health in dermatology settings. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed analyzing the relationship between dermatologic conditions and mental health. Additionally, a survey was conducted to assess how dermatology providers approach mental health in dermatology settings. Results: The survey found that conversations surrounding mental health, screening for mental health symptoms, treating mental health issues, and referring patients to mental health services, rarely occur in dermatology settings. The research suggests that the topic of mental health needs to continue to be discussed to reduce the stigma surrounding it, specifically in the specialty of dermatology, given the high correlation between dermatologic diseases and mental health conditions. Conclusion: Findings suggest that mental health is underappreciated in dermatology settings. Additionally, barriers to mental health services remain prevalent and add difficulty to treating dermatologic patients with mental health comorbidities. Continued efforts to improve medical education to include holistic evaluation of patients, along with the implementation of mental health screening and increased utilization of mental health providers will be beneficial to ensure that mental health is adequately addressed in dermatology settings.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2024.Kraft.E.

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