Anxiety and depression in patients with chronic urticarial

Abstract

Urticaria is an allergic and dermatological disease caused by the degranulation of mast cells and clinically manifested by wheals and angioedema [1]. Acute urticaria lasts for six weeks, while chronic urticaria for more time [2]. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) deserves special attention from physicians and researchers as it impacts a person’s quality of life and often lasts for several years [3]. This condition is accompanied by itching and psycho-neurological problems [4], which negatively affect a person's daily activities, mood and appearance. Recent studies have shown that 35-60% of patients with chronic urticaria have sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders [5-8]. This study aimed to assess the association between CSU and anxiety and CSU and depression while employing a data mining approach to match CSU patients to gender and age control participants. Were used the database of the Allergology and clinical immunology department clinics of TSMU (Tbilisi State Medical University). This assessment considered demographic and clinical factors (thyroid disease, diabetes, physical urticaria, obesity and smoking). Anxiety and depression rates were assessed using the GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) questionnaires [25].