Relationship between disease severity, perceived stress, and depression in patients with seborrheic dermatitis

Abstract

Objective: A significant proportion of patients with seborrheic dermatitis state that disease attacks are triggered by psychological stress and disease severity increases during stressful times. This study aimed to determine the relationship between disease severity and perceived stress and depression levels in patients with seborrheic dermatitis. Patients and Methods: The patients’ demographic characteristics, medical history, and Seborrheic Dermatitis Area Severity Index (SDASI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were recorded, and the relationship between disease severity and the scale scores were statistically analyzed by comparing disease severity groups and using correlation analyses. Results: The study included 120 patients with seborrheic dermatitis. The mean age of the patients was 29.5±8.2 years, and the female/ male ratio was 49/71. According to disease severity, 66 (55%) patients were classified as mild, 30(25%) moderate, and 24 (20%) as severe seborrheic dermatitis. When the scale scores were evaluated, a significant positive correlation was found between SDASI and PSS (r=0.767, p<0.001), between SDASI and BDI (r=0.663, p<0.001), and between PSS and BDI (r=0.687, p<0.001). Conclusion: A significant relationship was observed between disease severity, stress, and depression in patients with seborrheic dermatitis. There is a need for a multidisciplinary approach involving a dermatologist and psychiatrist in the follow-up and treatment of these patients.