LB930 Mental health professional utilization within a cohort of hidradenitis suppurativa patients

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating inflammatory skin condition. HS patients are known to have increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. There is a paucity of information about how HS exacerbations affect depression and mood. We decided to study the utilization of mental health professionals by a cohort of patients with HS. An IRB-approved retrospective chart review and telephone survey were conducted on patients treated at the Albert Einstein/Montefiore HS Center (HSC). All patients seen between September 1 and December 31, 2021 were invited to participate in this study. A total of 64 patients volunteered to complete telephone surveys. The survey consisted of demographics, a Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) screening test, and patient perception regarding the utilization of mental health support. The mean age of participants (n=64) was 35.3±14.1, and 43 (67%) were female. The average HS-PGA for this cohort was 3.4±1.3. Twenty patients (31%) screened positive for depression using the PHQ-2. By contrast, when recalling times during which they experienced HS flares, 37 (58%) patients screened positive for depression. When asked if they experienced an improvement in mood with successful control of HS disease activity, 45 (70%) answered yes, 10 (16%) answered no, and 9 (14%) were unsure. Twenty-four (38%) had pursued support from a mental health professional (MHP); 12 (50%) felt that a MHP helped them cope with HS, 18 (75%) recommended seeking out a MHP to other HS patients. When asked if they would be willing to speak to a mental health professional in the future, 43 (67%) answered yes, 15 (23%) answered no, and 6 (9%) were unsure. This pilot study identifies a propensity for states of clinical depression during periods of worsened HS disease activity. It is remarkable that two-thirds (67%) of this cohort would seek the care of a MHP. Our data underscore the need for incorporating mental healthcare into the standard management of HS patients. Further studies are essential to define how to make these resources available.