Citation

Dieris-Hirche J, Gieler U, Kupfer JP, Milch WE. Hautarzt 2009; 60(8): 641-646.

Vernacular Title

Suizidgedanken, Angst und Depression bei erwachsenen Neurodermitikern.

Affiliation

Klinik für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Justus-Liebig Universität Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 33, 35392, Giessen, Deutschland, Jan.Dieris-Hirche@med.uni-giessen.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00105-009-1744-y

PMID

19399379

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease which is increasing in incidence and prevalence. An understanding of the mental burden patients carry is essential for successful psychodermatological treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 62 adult atopic dermatitis patients were tested with a questionnaire and compared with a matched group of 62 healthy persons. Using the questionnaire for assessing suicide risk of Pöldinger, suicidal ideations were assessed. Anxiety and depression were detected by using HADS-D; the severity of symptoms by patients' self-evaluation based on SCORAD index. Finally, the onset of atopic dermatitis was established. RESULTS: A significantly higher level of suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression was shown among patients with atopic dermatitis. All three aspects showed a medium effect size. Strong correlations between severity of symptoms and psychological burden were observed. 16.1% of patients with atopic dermatitis suffered from suicidal ideation, while only 1.6% in control group did, producing an odds ratio of 11.73 (95%CI 1.45-94.71). CONCLUSION: Suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression are important factors, which should be addressed when treating atopic dermatitis.

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