Standardizing Screening for Factitious Skin Disorders in Dermatology

Factitious skin disorders (FSDs) remain underrecognized in dermatology, leading to repeated procedures, ineffective treatments, and patient distress. We developed the Factitious Skin Disorder Inventory (FSDI), a brief, patient-administered screening tool that quantifies behavioral patterns, psychosocial impact, and psychological distress to support early recognition and targeted intervention. The FSDI offers a practical, structured framework for clinical assessment and generates standardized data to guide future research and evidence-based management of this complex, underrecognized condition.