Depression and anxiety in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: a cross-sectional study among Polish patients

Abstract

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent and one of the most debilitating dermatoses. It usually presents with inflamed lesions in apocrine gland-bearing skin areas. There is a limited number of studies on the relationship between HS and depression as well as anxiety. Aim: To evaluate the incidence and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms among Polish patients suffering from HS. Material and methods: Consecutive patients (N = 114) with HS were included in the cross-sectional study. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaires were employed to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. The severity of HS was measured with Hurley staging and International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Score System (IHS4). Results: Symptoms suggesting depression were found in 47 (41.2%) patients. Anxiety was diagnosed in 46 (40.4%) HS cases. Among HS patients presenting with depressive and anxiety symptoms, most were diagnosed with moderate depression -21 (44.7%) and mild anxiety -29 (63.1%). There was no difference in the prevalence of anxiety and depression between both sex groups. A significant correlation (r = 0.197, p = 0.039) between GAD-7 scores and duration of the disease was noted. Conclusions: Depression and anxiety are common phenomena among HS subjects. Therefore, physicians should consider mental status in the holistic approach of HS patients.

Deroofing: A safe, effective and well‐tolerated procedure in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa

“…11 The disease is associated with severe socioeconomic consequences, a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, fear of stigmatization and suicide ideation. [12][13][14][15][16][17] The disease also affects patients' families', partners' and caregivers' QoL, frequently preventing them from forming long-lasting relationships with HS patients. 12,18,19 Treatment of HS remains a great challenge for dermatologists, and its result is often unsatisfactory for both the patient and the physician.…”

Anxieties in dermatological disorders—A psychodermatology topic which should be recognized for daily practice

“…In case–control studies, the differences between skin diseases and healthy controls are always significant, such as in lichen planus or alopecia areata 5,6 . Although the meta‐analysis by Storer et al 1 found the highest prevalence of anxiety in psoriasis patients, there are recent studies showing higher rates in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa 7 . Older age seems to have a protective effect on skin disease anxiety 8 …”

“…5,6 Although the meta-analysis by Storer et al 1 found the highest prevalence of anxiety in psoriasis patients, there are recent studies showing higher rates in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. 7 Older age seems to have a protective effect on skin disease anxiety. 8 Biological treatment showed significant efficacy in reducing anxiety in all available studies, but sometimes did not correlate with a change in quality of life.…”

Satisfaction with Life and Coping Strategies among Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In the light of the above-described clinical manifestations, HS is likely to cause notable psychological distress [11][12][13][14][15]. Moreover, our recent study suggested that reasonable number of HS patients suffered from mental disorders, namely, depression and anxiety [16]. This in turn may lead to difficulties related to satisfaction with life (SWL), and utilization of different types of coping strategies [17].…”