Investigating Anxiety and Depression in Chronic Urticaria: Cause or Effect?

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Psychiatric Locked Rehabilitation Unit, Priory Hospital Hemel Hempstead, Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom.

3 Lister Hospital, Stevenage, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Background: Chronic urticaria is a complex multifactorial dermatological disease characterized by wheals lasting more than 6 consecutive weeks. The resultant physical discomfort from chronic urticaria may worsen the patient’s quality of life. Emotional manifestations are shown to occur in these patients, among which, depression and anxiety are the two most common conditions. Accordingly, this study evaluates the role of anxiety and depression in the course of chronic urticaria.
Materials and Methods: A total of 170 adult patients with chronic urticaria and 50 healthy adults were asked to complete the questionnaires to be evaluated for the presence of any stigma regarding anxiety and depression. The inclusion criteria were individuals 18 years of age and above, and suffering from chronic urticaria.
Results: The mean age of healthy individuals (control group) was 38.255±13.44 years. Most of the patients (74%) were female. Anxiety was found in 59.5% of the patients with chronic urticaria and 42% of healthy control individuals (P=0.029). Depression was found in 17.6% of patients with chronic urticaria and 6% of healthy individuals (P=0.022).
Conclusion: A strong relationship exists between chronic urticaria and emotional conditions, including anxiety and depression exists. 

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Immunoregulation
Volume 6, Issue 1
Immunology
August 2023
Pages 65-70

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