Shame-related disorders in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis - An exploratory, cross-sectional interview study on the prevalence and correlates of body dysmorphic disorder and social anxiety disorder.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (Pso) are frequently associated with psychological distress. This study evaluated the prevalence and correlates of shame-related disorders (SRD), namely body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD), in patients with AD and Pso.
Patients and methods
A monocentric, cross-sectional study was conducted in adult patients from 07/2023 to 03/2024. A trained clinical psychologist assessed subjects for BDD and SAD. Additionally, subjects completed the DLQI. Objective severity of their disease was physician-rated using the EASI or PASI.
Results
One hundred and fifty-one patients were included, n = 55 (36.4%) with AD and n = 96 (63.6%) with Pso. Among all study participants, the point and lifetime prevalence of SRD was 17.2% and 31.8%, respectively. Point and lifetime prevalence for BDD was 10.6% and 26.5%, and for SAD 12.6% and 17.2%. There were no differences in the point or lifetime prevalence of BDD or SAD between patients with AD or Pso. SRD were associated with younger age and female sex. DLQI was significantly reduced in those suffering from SRD.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that SRD are prevalent in AD and Pso and should therefore be further investigated for their use in routine clinical practice.
