Evaluation of Psychological Profile of Patients With Skin Lesions



Adibi N¹ ; Shafiei K² ; Izadi B³ ; Afshar H⁴ ; Bagheriansararoudi R²
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2013

Abstract

Background: High psychiatric disorders frequency, especially mood disorders, among patients with skin diseases has been proved. Skin diseases can reduce the self-esteem and more suicidal thought and commitment have been reported among these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological profile of patients with skin diseases. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 250 patients with skin lesions aged from 16 to 60 years were submitted to survey by random convenience sampling. General health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and Hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS) were used for measuring psychological profile. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, chi-square, independent-t, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests. Findings: Psychiatric disorders prevalence, based on GHQ-28, was 60%. Social function disorder, anxiety and insomnia, somatic symptoms and depression had the higher average rank and frequency, respectively. HADS screening showed 27.6% of prevalence for psychological profile problems and 27.87% for anxiety and depression subscales. Sex and age had no significant correlation to the psychological profile of patients. On the other hand, the marriage status and body location of skin lesions were statistically correlated to psychological profile. Conclusion: This study confirms the correlation between impaired psychological profile and skin lesions. With regards to high amount of outpatient refer to dermatology clinics, psychological consideration of dermatologic outpatients for preventive and probable therapeutic measurements is recommended.