Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in patients with chronic dermatoses

Abstract

Skin is a source of great confidence and pride for an individual; a chronic disease affecting the skin can become a cause of constant stress and lack of self-esteem. Since the natural history of such diseases is very prolonged with periods of exacerbations and remissions, the psychological symptoms tend to increase in severity leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideations. Disorders such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and alopecia are often associated with psychiatric comorbidities – psoriasis being the one with the most psychiatric aberrations. In general, the younger patients show more pronounced features of suicidal ideations when compared to other age groups. This parallel psychiatric aspect of skin diseases needs to be simultaneously addressed for the optimal treatment of both the physical and mental health of such patients.