Quality of life, depression, anxiety and loneliness in patients with bullous pemphigoid. A case control study

Abstract

BackgroundBullous pemphigoid (BP) is a chronic, autoimmune blistering skin disease that affects patients' daily life and psychosocial well-being.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life, anxiety, depression and loneliness in BP patients.MethodsFifty-seven BP patients and fifty-seven healthy controls were recruited for the study. The quality of life of each patient was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scale. Moreover, they were evaluated for anxiety and depression according to the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS-scale), while loneliness was measured through the Loneliness Scale-Version 3 (UCLA) scale.ResultsThe mean DLQI score was 9.45±3.34. Statistically significant differences on the HADS total scale and in HADS-depression subscale (p=0.015 and p=0.002, respectively) were documented. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups on the HADS-anxiety subscale. Furthermore, significantly higher scores were recorded on the UCLA Scale compared with healthy volunteers (p=0.003).ConclusionBP had a significant impact on quality of life and the psychological status of patients, probably due to the appearance of unattractive lesions on the skin, functional problems and disease chronicity.

The effect of autoimmune blistering diseases on work productivity

“…23 It has been suggested that the appearance of unattractive skin lesions is a factor in the significant impact of bullous pemphigoid on psychological status. 24 Future studies could focus on stigma as a predictor for depression in AIBD patients. Recognizing stigma as a possible factor in work impairment could lead to more psychological and social support and improve the mental health of AIBD patients.…”

“…A previous study examining stigma in patients with psoriasis found stigmatization to be the most powerful predictor for depressive symptoms . It has been suggested that the appearance of unattractive skin lesions is a factor in the significant impact of bullous pemphigoid on psychological status . Future studies could focus on stigma as a predictor for depression in AIBD patients.…”

Actigraphy‐measured nocturnal wrist movements and assessment of sleep quality in patients with bullous pemphigoid: a pilot case–control study

“…The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published guidelines on the clinical use of this method, and recommends actigraphy in individuals with depression to determine sleep disturbances . Of note, the association of BP with depressive disorders has also been documented recently . As no clinical research evaluating sleep quality in BP has been conducted to date, we performed our study to outline the scale of the problem.…”

<p>Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Bullous Pemphigoid: Impact and Management Challenges</p>

“…There was a positive correlation between depression and loneliness scores. 15 BP may result in restrictions on work and daily activities, patients may be concerned about their appearance, the BP treatment and its probable recurrence. 15 It is however important to stress that the series of patients in the report by Kouris et al was small and included quite young people.…”

“…15 BP may result in restrictions on work and daily activities, patients may be concerned about their appearance, the BP treatment and its probable recurrence. 15 It is however important to stress that the series of patients in the report by Kouris et al was small and included quite young people. The mean age was 59 years, which is far from being representative of the typical population of BP patients (≥70 years-old).…”