Mental health comorbidity in patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Background Recent data, primarily from Europe, suggest children with atopic dermatitis may be at increased risk of developing mental health disorders. Objective We aimed to quantify the mental health burden associated with pediatric atopic dermatitis in the United States. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used analyzing data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health – a survey reporting on the health status of 92,642 non-institutionalized children ages 0-17. The lifetime prevalence of various provider-diagnosed mental health conditions was calculated for those with and without a history of atopic dermatitis. Results The odds of having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was significantly increased in children with atopic dermatitis compared to non-atopic dermatitis controls, OR 1.87 (95% CI 1.54, 2.27) even after controlling for known confounders. The adjusted odds ratios for depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, and autism were 1.81 (95% CI 1.33,2.46) , 1.77 (95% CI 1.36, 2.29), 1.87 (1.46, 2.39), and 3.04 (95% CI 2.13, 4.34), respectively, and these estimates were all statistically significant. A clear dose-dependent relationship was observed between the prevalence of a mental health disorder and the reported severity of the skin disease. Conclusions Our data reveal a striking association between mental health disorders and atopic dermatitis in the U.S. pediatric population. The severity of the skin disease alters the strength of the association. Prospective cohort studies are needed to verify these associations and to explore underlying mechanisms. Strategies to prevent atopic dermatitis or to aggressively treat early skin inflammation may modify the risk of developing mental health disorders in at-risk children.

The Association of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Symptoms of Asthma, Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis and Eczema among Japanese Children Aged 3 - 6 Years

“…Our findings are consistent with recent studies that found eczema was significantly more prevalent in children with ASD compared to children without ASD [13] [53] [54]. We could not find significant associations of autism spectrum features with asthma or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.…”

Associations between allergic diseases and attention deficit hyperactivity/oppositional defiant disorders in children

“…The odds for ADHD-related behavioral disorders increased synergistically when children had both allergic diseases and psychological problems including depression, stress, and poor sleep. The associations between allergic diseases and mental health disorders, including ADHD, conduct disorder, depression, and anxiety, have been increasingly recognized (3,8,11,14,15). The mechanisms underlying the relationship between allergic diseases and mental health disorders, however, remain uncertain.…”

“…Associated symptoms may interfere with daily life and the sleep quality of affected children (2), leading to mental health and behavioral problems (3). An increase in the prevalence of childhood behavioral disorders has paralleled that of allergic diseases.…”

Association between childhood eczema and headaches: An analysis of 19 US population-based studies

“…There might be other issues occurring in childhood eczema that also increase the risk for headaches, such as chronic inflammation, increased psychological and behavioral disorders, 4,19 and use of systemic medications. Future studies are needed to determine the mechanism or mechanisms of association between eczema and headaches.…”