The mental health associations of vitiligo : UK population-based cohort study
Affiliation
Cardiff University; Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust; Pfizer LtdPublication date
2022-10
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Background: Vitiligo is an acquired, autoimmune depigmenting skin disorder that may affect psychological well-being. Aims: To determine the risk and impact of psychological comorbidity in people with new-onset vitiligo. Method: We conducted a retrospective observational study, using UK general practice data (2004-2020). Adults diagnosed with vitiligo (n = 7224) were matched 1:4 with controls (n = 28 880). Associations within 2 years of diagnosis were assessed for psychological conditions: recurrent depressive disorder (RDD), depressive episodes, non-phobia-related anxiety disorder, social phobia, adjustment disorder, substance misuse, self-harm and suicide attempts. Healthcare utilisation, time off work and unemployment within 1 year were compared in those with and without a mental health condition at vitiligo diagnosis. Results: At diagnosis, people with vitiligo had a similar prevalence of mental health conditions as controls, except for anxiety disorder (cases 7.9%, controls 7.0%; P = 0.014). Incident RDD and anxiety disorder were more common in people with vitiligo (RDD: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.55; anxiety disorder: aHR 1.23, 95% CI 1.00-1.51). Risk was highest in Black and minority ethnic individuals (RDD: aHR 1.72, 95% CI 1.06-2.79; depressive episodes: aHR 1.56, 95% CI 1.03-2.37). No association was found with other mental health conditions. People with vitiligo and psychological comorbidity had more primary care encounters, more time off work and higher unemployment. Conclusions: People with vitiligo have a higher incidence of RDD and anxiety disorder than controls, and this risk increase may be greatest in Black and minority ethnic populations.Citation
Thompson AR, Eleftheriadou V, Nesnas J. The mental health associations of vitiligo: UK population-based cohort study. BJPsych Open. 2022 Oct 21;8(6):e190.Type
ArticlePMID
36268886Journal
BJPsych OpenPublisher
Cambridge University Pressae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1192/bjo.2022.591