Post-Traumatic Stress in Vitiligo Patients: A Neglected but Real-Existing Psychological Impairment

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is the most common depigmentation disorder. This disease causes disfiguration and induces psychological burdens, leading to significantly impaired quality of life. Limited research about disease-related post-traumatic stress (PTS) has been conducted in vitiligo patients. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of post-traumatic stress in vitiligo patients. Methods: This case-control study was performed from January 2021 to April 2021. A survey questionnaire including baseline information, post-traumatic stress symptoms evaluation, life quality evaluation was conducted. According to the severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms, patients were grouped and compared. The logistic regression model was conducted to analyze the risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results: A total of 337 patients were included. A 30.3% of vitiligo patients (102/337) in present cohort had PTS and 12.5% patients (42/337) were confirmed for developing into PTSD. The multivariate logistic regression revealed educational level <0.001) and surgical treatment (OR=3.53, 95% CI=3.12–4.02, P<0.001) were risk factors for PTSD. PTS severity was significantly associated with vitiligo disease activity score (rho=0.54, R2=0.29, P=0.002), vitiligo area scoring index score (r=0.55, R2=0.30, P=0.012), and dermatology life quality index score (r=0.61, R2=0.37, P=0.004). Conclusion: Vitiligo-related PTS is prevalent in vitiligo patients and causes psychological impairment. Dermatologists should realize and identify this condition carefully and offer proactive intervention to improve patients’ quality of life.