Periyar Rani Selvaraj, Hemapriya M. G
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders in pemphigus vulgaris may occur due to long term course, impact of body image, unlikelihood of complete recovery and frequent recurrences. These are the major predisposing factors towards depression and anxiety. Although, investigators have evaluated psychiat ric aspects of the patients suffering from skin diseases there are rare studies in India concerning mental health in pemphigus patients. Aim The aim and objectives of the study is to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with pemphigus vulgaris to assess the socio demographic profile and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between august 2017 and September 2017, a cross sectional study of 105 patients diagnosed as pemphigus vulgaris attending pemphigus clinic of dermatology departm ent, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital Chennai were assessed using semi structured proforma and following questionnaires GHQ 12, HAMA, HAMD, DLQI. RESULTS 105 patients were evaluated; 55% presented depression (58/ 46 women and 12 men); 45 patients ( with mild depression, 13 patients ( with moderate depression. Duration of illness and social support presented statistical significance (P 0.039) a nd (P < respectively. 32% presented anxiety (34/ 25 women and 9 men); 32 patients ( with mild anxiety, 2 patients ( with moderate anxiety. Social support showed statistical significance (P< In DLQI 32 patients had no effect, 24 pati ents ( had small effect, 33 patients ( had moderate effect, 16 patients ( had very large effect. QOL was significantly impaired, particularly with poor social support (P< low education (P= duration of illness (P 0.003) and number of epis odes (P 0.017). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of depression and anxiety were higher in patients with pemphigus vulgaris and depression was found to be higher among females and anxiety was higher among male patients. Also increased duration of illness, increas ed number of episodes, site of lesion especially at genitals and whole body showed increased prevalence of depression and anxiety and affected their quality of life. They are at need of mental health professionals help and should be screened for depression and anxiety.
