Mental health in adult AD

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis, also known simply as eczema, is a long‐term skin condition that causes an itchy rash. Scratching can cause skin to weep, crust, become infected and become thicker. 16.5 million adults in the USA suffer from atopic dermatitis, with 6.6 million reporting moderate to severe symptoms. Those with more severe disease have been found to have worse quality of life and increased risk of depression and anxiety. This US‐based study looked at 2893 adults to see if having atopic dermatitis, and how severe it is, affects the likelihood of also having anxiety or depression. Information was collected by sending out a survey. Modified UK diagnostic criteria were used to screen for patients with atopic dermatitis. Disease severity was self‐reported by patients using tools such as the Patient‐Orientated Eczema Measure and Dermatology Life Quality Index. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used for measuring anxiety and depression. 602 adults had atopic dermatitis. They had higher HADS scores (meaning higher levels of anxiety and depression) than the 2291 adults without atopic dermatitis. There were more adults with atopic dermatitis who also had a formal diagnosis of anxiety or depression than those without atopic dermatitis. However, many atopic dermatitis patients with high HADS scores had no formal diagnosis of anxiety or depression. Furthermore, patients with more severe atopic dermatitis had higher HADS scores than those with milder disease. The conclusion is that atopic dermatitis increases the likelihood of having anxiety and depression, especially if one has severe disease. This may go undiagnosed.