The Association between Atopic Dermatitis Severity and Mood Disturbance among Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

Background:Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, redness, and irritation of the skin. It affects a significant percentage of the global and local population. Eczema is associated with mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression. However, data on the impact of eczema severity on psychological health in adult eczema patients remain scarce. Addressing this correlation is crucial for improving therapy and clinical outcomes for eczema patients.Purpose:This study was carried out to assess the correlation between AD disease severity and mood disturbance in adult AD patients in King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH); a teaching facility with general and subspecialty medical services in King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Methods:This study is a cross-sectional study targeting adults diagnosed with AD in KKUH. Patients visiting the dermatology clinic during the study period from March 2023 to August 2023 were asked to fill out an online based self-administered questionnaire to assess AD severity and psychological distress using the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) tool and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Itch Questionnaire Mood and Sleep instruments respectively. Only patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 version statistical software.Results:Among 507 participants with AD, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma were the highest concomitant associations. About 42.8% of participants with very severe AD had moderate mood disturbance. Among participants with very severe AD, 66% of them were diagnosed more than 5 years ago, and 71% had their last AD symptoms less than 6 months ago. AD severity was significantly associated with female gender, longer disease duration, and more recent episodes of AD symptoms. Mood disturbances were significantly associated with AD severity, disease duration, and the presence of sinusitis (55.6%, P = 0.009).Conclusion:Given the high prevalence of mood disturbances among AD patients, it is critical for health-care professionals and caregivers to recognize the mental health impact of AD and incorporate appropriate psychiatric screening methods into the management plan of AD patients so that they can be properly assessed and referred for appropriate therapy.