Psychiatric Comorbidity Among Dermatology Patients: A Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Khammam, Telangana, South India

Abstract

Background: The intersection between dermatology and psychiatry has gained increasing recognition due to the complex relationship between dermatological conditions and psychiatric comorbidities. Despite growing recognition, comprehensive studies exploring the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and management outcomes of dermatology patients with psychiatric comorbidities remain limited.
Methods: A total of 416 patients with various dermatological disorders participated in the study. Socio-demographic information and comprehensive dermatological evaluations were recorded, followed by screening for depression, anxiety, and stress disorders using the DASS-21 scale.
Results: The study revealed a notable prevalence of psychiatric disorders among dermatology patients, with approximately a quarter exhibiting symptoms of depression and around one-third reporting symptoms of anxiety. Stress was also prevalent among a significant subset of patients. Correlation analysis highlighted associations between psychiatric symptoms and demographic factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, and family type.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the necessity of adopting a biopsychosocial approach in the management of dermatological disorders, emphasizing the importance of routine screening for psychiatric comorbidities and integrated care models involving collaboration between dermatologists and mental health professionals.