Table 1.

Diagnostic criteria for functional itch disorder (or psychogenic pruritus) from the French Psychodermatology Group (previously published in Acta Derm. Venereol. 2007;87:341–4)

Three compulsory criteria:

Localized or generalized pruritus sine material (without primary skin lesion)

Chronic pruritus (>6 weeks)

No somatic cause

Three of seven optional criteria:

A chronological relationship between the occurrence of pruritus and one or several life events that could have psychological repercussions

Variations in intensity associated with stress

Nycthemeral variations

Predominance during rest or inaction

Associated psychological disorder

Pruritus that could be improved by psychotropic drugs

Pruritus that could be improved by psychotherapies