DERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS

PSYCHIATRIC CO-MORBIDITY

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Depression and Anxiety in indoor Patients of Dermatology Department. Types of study: cross sectional study. Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted at in door Department of Dermatology, D.H.Q Hospital Faisalabad from August 2006 to October 2006. Patients & Methods: A total of 77 diagnosed dermatological patients, (21males and 56 females) were selected by using non-probability convenient sampling. Hospital Anxiety and
Depression Scale and DSM –IV-TR criteria for depression and anxiety were used to evaluate the patients. QOL-BREF was administered. Results were also correlated with patient’s demographics. Result: Out of 77 Patients who were enrolled in a study, 52 % of subjects reported psychiatric co-morbidity regarding anxiety and depression according to DSM-IV-TR, HADS, anxiety and depression score was 12.75 (±4.33)
and 11.18 (±4.51) respectively. A strong co-relation of HADS anxiety and HADS depression was found with the DSM-IV- TR diagnosis respectively. The strong negative association was found with the education, monthly income and socio-economic status respectively. Conclusion: The study shows high Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Patients having dermatological disorder. The findings also highlight the importance of recognizing dermatological disease related psychiatric problems. Through training, dermatologists can identify psychiatry morbidity and play their role in early detection, management and referrals of complicated cases of these co- morbid conditions. In this way better quality of care can be assured.