Higher Levels of Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Chronic Urticaria

Abstract

BackgroundChronic urticaria (CU) is a common disease, characterized by the development of wheals, angioedema, or both. CU reduces quality of life and can also cause emotional distress. Studies addressing depression and anxiety in such patients are rare in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between urticaria symptoms and depression and anxiety in patients with CU.Material/MethodsThe Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate depression and anxiety in patients with CU. We included 50 patients with CU and a control group of 60 healthy volunteers. Urticaria activity score, medications, age, sex, comorbidities, occupation, and income of patients were recorded. Depression and anxiety scores were evaluated between the patient and the healthy groups.ResultsThe HADS questionnaire showed that 24 (48%) subjects in the patient group had depressive symptoms and 24 (48%) had anxiety, and both of these conditions were significantly more frequent than in controls (p=0.002 and p=0.001). The mean anxiety and depression scores ±SD were 10.82±4.29 and 7.74±4.49 in the patient group and 6.42±3.02 and 4.85±3.26, in the control group respectively (p=0.001). The mean score of the UAS ±SD was 23.14±13.40 and a significant positive correlation between UAS and the anxiety and depression scores was observed (r=0.400; p=0.004 and r=0.373; p=0.004, respectively).ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that depression and anxiety symptoms are more common in patients with CU than in the control group. Therefore, we should pay attention to the potential of mental comorbidities while managing patients with CU.

A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies on the Association of Chronic Urticaria With Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

“…Of these, 35 were excluded for various reasons (Figure 1). Thirteen studies with a total of 3,627 study participants were included in the final meta-analysis (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31).…”

The Relationship of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria with Anxiety and Depression in Children

“…Hergüner et al (16) reported a positive correlation of disease duration and age with anxiety and Depression scores . On the other hand, Tat et al (18) and Engin et al (17) did not find a correlation between disease duration or age with Anxiety and Depression scores. In our study, we found a positive correlation of age with both anxiety and Depression scores and also with anxiety and depression rates.…”

“…Engin et al (17) evaluated 73 adult CSU patients and 34 control cases using BDI and found higher levels of depression among patients compared to controls. Similarly, Tat et al (18) compared 50 adult CSU patients and 60 control cases and reported higher levels of depression in the patient group. In their study, Hergüner et al (16) found a higher level of depression among children with CSU compared to control cases.…”

Perspectives on Living with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: From Onset through Diagnosis and Disease Management in the US

“…The extent to which patients' quality of life (QoL) can be affected by CSU has been demonstrated in numerous studies (1,2,(4)(5)(6)(7)(8) and goes beyond effects on skin (e.g. itching), with many patients reporting fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbances.…”

“…itching), with many patients reporting fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbances. Patients also experience a substantial psychological burden; many develop anxiety and depression after diagnosis, which significantly impacts their QoL (6,7,9,10). Patients also report dissatisfaction with their treatment and their relationship with their physician (5,8,11).…”