It often occurs in people who haveanxiety,obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ordepression.
A more specific definition has not been established due to a lack of consensus on how to classify it.
The group also considers it “functional itch disorder.”
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Psychogenic itch is not the same as idiopathic itch (an itch with an unknown cause or origin).
While psychogenic itch is related to psychological factors, neuropathic itch is sparked by damage to thenervous system.
Neuropathic itch tends to be accompanied bynumbness and tingling sensations.
It may occur withnotalgia paresthetica(an area of itchy skin on the upper back).
Link Between the Nervous System and Itching
The brain makes itch possible.
While the skin may be irritated, it’s the brain that perceives the sensation of itch.
Itch can also start in the brain, such as with central nervous system disorders or psychological disorders.
Is It “All in Your Head”?
This is not true.
Psychosomatic conditions, such as psychogenic itch, can cause real physical symptoms.
Dermatologists see more people with psychogenic itch than psychiatrists do.
Psychodermatologyis a field that is well-established in Europe, but lesser known in the United States.
Treatment and Coping Strategies
Treating psychogenic itch often involves both medical and/or behavioral approaches.
Moisturizing the skin may help ease dryness and stop you from scratching.
Prescriptions
There are no clinical trials for psychogenic itch treatments.
However, there are somepsychopharmacologicmedicines your healthcare provider can prescribe that may be helpful for psychogenic itch.
These include:
Psychological Approach
The efficacy of psychological treatments for psychogenic itch has not been well-studied.
However, some types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help.
Itching due to stress may last for a few days.
Stress can also exacerbate existing skin conditions.
The skin-crawling feeling comes from the activation of the stress response.
American Psychological Association.Psychogenic pruritus.
Jain, S.. (2013).Problematic pruritus: Seeking a cure for psychogenic itch.Current Psychiatry.Vol.
