Psychiatric disorders associated with some chronic dermatologic diseases among a group of Egyptian dermatology outpatient clinic attendants

Background The prevalence of psychiatric illness among patients attending dermatology clinics is increasing. The skin has a major effect on body image. Therefore, any chronic or disfiguring skin disorder can lead to significant psychological sequelae. Objective To carry out an analysis of psychiatric disorders associated with chronic dermatologic diseases among a group of Egyptian patients. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1042 patients with psychiatric evaluation of patients with different chronic dermatologic diseases in three dermatology clinics using The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5). Results A total of 1042 patients with chronic dermatologic diseases including psoriasis, acne, alopecia areata, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and chronic urticaria were studied. There was a high prevalence of associated psychiatric morbidities such as depression (39.25%), anxiety (34.36%), suicidal ideation (19.48%) and attempt (2.98%), sleep disorders (18.62%), obsessive–compulsive disorders (4.61%), and sexual problems (26.49%). Conclusion Patients with chronic dermatologic diseases are at high risk of developing psychological problems which may continue even after improvement of skin disease. The associated psychiatric disorders can range from short episodes of depression to major depression, anxiety, obsessive–compulsive disorders, and sleep disorders and can even extend to suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts. Management of the interaction between the mind and the skin can help to improve patients’ skin conditions and eventually their quality of life.