Assessing depression and anxiety in the caregivers of pediatric patients with chronic skin disorders

Abstract

BACKGROUND The literature has shown that the presence of emotional disturbances in caregivers of children with skin diseases affects the course and treatment of the disease. Anxiety and depression are among the most frequently reported psychiatric diagnoses related to this fact. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the presence of anxiety and depression in caregivers of pediatric patients with chronic skin disorders, exemplified by atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and vitiligo, and correlate them to the quality of life of the patients. METHODS The sample consisted of 118 patients with atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and psoriasis, monitored by their main caregiver. The levels of anxiety and depression in the caregivers were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index was applied. RESULTS Anxiety was observed in 36% of the caregivers of the patients with atopic dermatitis, in 36% of those of children affected by psoriasis, and in 42% of those responsible for pediatric patients with vitiligo. Depression occurred in 36% of the caregivers of patients with atopic dermatitis, in 36% of those of children affected by psoriasis and in 26% of those responsible for pediatric patients with vitiligo. There was a significant correlation between poor quality of life scores in patients with vitiligo and the presence of depression and anxiety in their caregivers. CONCLUSION Emotional disorders tend to be present among close family members of children with the chronic skin diseases studied and their prevention can help in controlling and treating these diseases.

Quality of life, depression, and anxiety in Turkish children with vitiligo and their parents

“…Moral et al have reported a rate of depression as 34%, according to BDI and anxiety as 60%, according to BAI, in their sample [71]. In his 2013 study, Manzoni has also reported higher levels of anxiety and depression, compared to that observed in general population, in parents of children from all interior-dermatosis groups (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo -26% depression and 42% anxiety) [72]. In our study, we have found no difference regarding depression and anxiety scale scores between children and adolescents in vitiligo group and healthy control group, while higher mean depression score was measured in parents of children with vitiligo compared to those from healthy control group.…”

The prevalence and odds of depression in patients with vitiligo: a meta‐analysis

“…Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was the most commonly used questionnaire to assess the depressive symptoms; it was used in five studies . The second most commonly used was the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS); it was utilized in three studies .…”

Psychiatric disorders and symptoms severity in preschool children with atopic eczema

“…6---8 Children with chronic skin diseases such as atopic eczema were found to have more psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. 9 Although studies have so far reported that in allergic illnesses such as atopic eczema, psychiatric disorders such as ADHD and tic disorder are frequent, no studies have assessed the psychiatric illness symptoms in preschool children with atopic eczema extensively.…”