Abstract
BackgroundRosacea may result in emotional distress and anxiety. However, data on the presence of generalized anxiety disorder in rosacea patients are scarce. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to detect the frequency and level of anxiety and depression in patients with rosacea. MethodsA total of 194 consecutive rosacea patients and 194 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Severity of rosacea was assessed in patients according to the criteria of the National Rosacea Society Ethics Committee. Both patients and controls were evaluated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, and severity was measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-Adult. ResultsIndividuals who were diagnosed with an anxiety and/or depressive disorder were more common in patient group (24.7% vs. 7.2%, p<0,01). Female patients were particularly at risk for having generalized anxiety disorder (OR=2.8; 95% CI 1.15–7.37; p=0.02). Study limitationsSingle center study and limited sample size. ConclusionsRosacea patients show greater risk of having anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder. Female patients, those with lower educational levels, those with phymatous subtype, untreated patients, and patients with prior psychiatric morbidity may be at particular risk for anxiety. It is essential to consider the psychological characteristics of patients to improve their well-being.
Highlights
Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder characterized by inflammatory papules, telangiectasias, and facial erythema, which can result in psychosocial consequences and emotional distress
Four variants of rosacea were described by the National Rosacea Society Ethics Committee (NRSEC) as follows: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular form.[1]
Ex-smokers were more common among the patient group
Summary
Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder characterized by inflammatory papules, telangiectasias, and facial erythema, which can result in psychosocial consequences and emotional distress. Patients with rosacea are more likely to have depression, low self-esteem, social phobia, and stress.3---5. Depression is common among patients with rosacea and there is a direct relationship between rosacea severity and depression severity.[6,7] The persistent facial erythema of rosacea is caused by vasodilatation due to autonomic nerves or circulating vasoactive substances. Because there is no optimal and effective treatment modality for persistent redness, patients are prone to have decreased quality of life (QoL). It has been shown that subjects with severe rosacea had worse mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores than subjects with milder forms.[8]
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