A Cross Sectional Study of Psychiatric Morbidity and Quality of Life in Vitiligo Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic disorder of skin pigmentation caused by the selective destruction of melano-cytes. It causes psychological distress and affects quality of life. Materials and method: An institution based case control study with 55 cases and 55 controls with vitiligo and without vitiligo was undertaken. They were assessed using the Vit-iligo area severity index (VASI), Vitiligo Disease Activity Scoring (VDAS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Results: In our study sample 29.1 % had vulgaris, 27.3 % had focal type of vitiligo, and 32.7 % had acro-facial vitiligo, 5.5 % mixed and 5.5 % segmental type of vitiligo was respectively seen. 76.4 % of the cases scored for mild depression and 16.4 % of the cases scored for moderate degree of depression. 23 (41.8 %) of the cases had mild degree of anxiety and 2 (3.6 %) had moderate degree of anxiety. Acro-facial and vulgaris group scored more for anxiety. Significant difference between two groups on WHO Quality of Life scale BREF and DLQI scores. Discussion: Psychiatric morbidity and Quality of Life was found to be significant in patient group with vitiligo than normal controls. There was a higher positive correlation between QOL and VASI scores, denoting the poor quality of life in patients attributable to the severity of the lesions. Conclusion: Psycho-dermatological services will help to mitigate the sufferings and improve the quality of life of patients with vitiligo.