As psychiatric comorbidity in dermatology inpatients suffering from chronic itch is high, dermatology departments should aim for an improvement of their psychosomatic consultation and liaison services.

We interpret our findings as possible central correlates of changes in the motor system in subjects with chronic itch, with activation of the basal ganglia possibly correlating to the vicious itch-scratch-circle in subjects with chronic itching skin diseases. However, further neuroimaging studies in healthy subjects and also in different skin diseases are needed to understand the complex mechanisms of the processing of itch.

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A new depressive entity called the "Sisi syndrome," named in reference to the former empress of Austria, was introduced by a drug company in 1998. Their advertising campaign presents information about nosology, symptoms, and recommended therapy. We review the relevant literature about this syndrome and are not able to confirm the statements about it. The lack of scientific proof of it as an independent entity of depression stands in contrast to the widespread media coverage in Germany, which was organized by a public relations company. Therefore, we discuss new kinds of marketing strategies ("disease mongering") by drug companies and conclude with some preventive recommendations.

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Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known as dysmorphophobia, is a relatively common disorder that consists of preoccupation with some imagined or slight defect in physical appearance. The preoccupation causes emotional distress and social impairment. Overvalued ideation and referential thinking are prevalent. BDD has a rich tradition in European psychiatry, but it first entered the official psychiatric nomenclature as a separate disorder in DSM-III-R in 1987. In the last 10 years it has received increasing empirical attention. BDD has been hypothesized to be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or may be conceptualized as hypochondriacal disorder. According to its body image disturbance it has been related to cenesthesia, eating disorders, and transsexualism. This paper presents the current level of awareness about BDD based on an analysis of the relevant literature. Empirical data are summarized and clinical signs are described. Varying therapies are critically reviewed.