The presentation of anxiety and depression among children and youth diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa: A review.

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with painful lesions in friction-prone areas, impacting patients' physical and mental well-being. Adults with HS experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Children with HS may also face these challenges, but a comprehensive review of their mental health implications is lacking. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Ovid Medline databases to investigate the association between HS and anxiety or depression in pediatric populations. A total of 4498 pediatric patients from six studies were included in this study: six examined depression alone, and three also studied anxiety. Two studies found a significant correlation between HS and depression in pediatric patients (p < .001), while two reported statistical significance for anxiety (p < .001). Two studies comparing pediatric and adult populations also reported a higher prevalence and incidence of depression among pediatric populations (p < .05). Another study found no incidences of depression or anxiety in HS or control patients. Despite heterogeneity in control groups, methodologies, and health system databases, the included studies suggest that pediatric patients with HS have a higher likelihood of developing depression compared to healthy pediatric patients and exhibit higher depression rates and lower anxiety rates compared to adults. These findings and the limited availability of data regarding this topic underscore the imperative for increased screening, evaluation, and reporting of psychiatric disorders among pediatric populations. This can help understand the connection between HS and depression or anxiety and ultimately enhance the mental well-being and quality of life for affected children.