Angioedema coexisting chronic spontaneous urticaria negatively influences patients’ sense of coherence, what results in susceptibility to anxiety symptoms occurrence

Abstract

Background: Angioedema coexisting chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is proved to result in patient anxiety occurrence, but the mechanisms and susceptibility patterns are unknown. Sense of coherence (SOC) is one of methods of coping with stress and is defined as a person’s general orientation toward life. We decided to assess SOC disturbances in CSU patients in the context of possible angioedema association. Methods: The study comprised 71 CSU subjects. To analyze disease activity, the Urticaria Activity Score seven-day assessment questionnaire (UAS7) was used. For anxiety assessment, the STAI questionnaire was used. The SOC-29 questionnaire, consisting of questions related to comprehensibility (SOC-C), manageability (SOC-M), and meaningfulness (SOC-Mf), was used to analyze SOC parameters (SOC-T). Results: In patients with coexisting angioedema, we observed statistically significantly lower values of SOC-Mf and SOC-T in comparison to the wheals only group. In the angioedema group, we noticed significant negative correlations between SOC-M and SOC-Mf, as well as SOC-T values and anxiety. In the wheals only group, we proved statistically significant correlations between SOC-Mf and SOC-T and anxiety assessed as a state. Conclusions: It is necessary to identify CSU patients manifesting angioedema as they are more likely to have impaired SOC. Lower SOC in this specific group of patients can be related to anxiety symptoms occurrence and should probably be an indication for psychological support.