Untreated depression and anxiety in patients with common skin diseases: a cross-sectional study in China

Abstract

ObjectiveThe study aimed to analyze the current status and reasons for the neglect of the psychological need of patients with common skin diseases.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in China using an online self-assessment questionnaire distributed via social media. Demographic, clinical and psychological data were collected, and the main outcomes, i.e., depression (evaluated using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9) and anxiety (evaluated using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, GAD-7). Multivariate regression analysis was used for the prediction of variates of mental health service seeking behaviors.ResultsA total of 1,010 patients participated in the survey, and 273 (27.0%) patients met the “with need” criteria, i.e., having the need for mental health intervention but not being treated. In the multivariate regression model, income (OR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.65–0.99), duration of disease (OR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.49–0.95) and suicide ideation (OR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.14–3.87) were significant factors. For patients who did not receive mental health care, the lack of knowledge about the availability of mental health services, lack of knowledge of where to seek help, concerns about the side effects of treatment, failure to seek treatment for severe skin diseases, and absence of current psychological distress were associated with their need for psychological intervention.ConclusionThis study examined the current status of the need for psychological intervention and the reasons why the need was unmet in patients with skin diseases. Due to the confusion and a lack of knowledge about their mental health issues, mental health services are often underutilized.

Psychosocial Burden and Psychological Interventions for Patients with Psoriasis

“…While studies suggest many psoriatic patients are not receiving optimal or timely mental health treatment, few studies exist to our knowledge delineating the proportion of patients with untreated mental health concerns. Yet, a 2023 cross-sectional study in China evaluated psychological neglect among patients with various common skin diseases, including but not limited to psoriasis [21]. Among 1010 dermatologic patients participating in the survey, 273 (27.0%) patients demonstrated a need for mental health intervention despite a lack of treatment, fulfilling the "with need" criteria.…”

“…Among 1010 dermatologic patients participating in the survey, 273 (27.0%) patients demonstrated a need for mental health intervention despite a lack of treatment, fulfilling the "with need" criteria. Furthermore, the authors describe contributing factors including a lack of knowledge about the availability of mental health services, a lack of knowledge regarding where to retrieve help, and concerns about treatment side effects [21]. Similarly, an internet-based questionnaire study conducted in China with 497 patients with psoriasis found up to 88.9% of patients had untreated psychological concerns [15].…”