Psychogenic purpura, also known as Gardner-Diamond syndrome or autoerythrocyte 
sensitization syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by spontaneous 
development of painful edematous skin lesions progressing to ecchymosis over the 
next 24 hours. Severe stress and emotional trauma always precede the skin 
lesions. The condition is most commonly seen in women, but isolated cases have 
been reported in adolescents and in males. Psychodermatologic evaluation and 
dermatology and psychiatry liaison have been successful in the treatment of 
these patients. This report provides an overview of psychogenic purpura and 
presents the case of a 15-year-old girl.