Pattern and prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patients attending dermatology OPD

Background: Consideration of psychiatric and psychosocial factors is important for the management and prevention of dermatologic disorders. Dermatology patients suffer commonly from psychiatric comorbidity. Aim: To study pattern and prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patient attending dermatology OPD. Methods: The study was carried out in Psychiatry department of NIMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, a north State of India. The sample was taken from Dermatology department of Medical College. All the participants were diagnosed/confirmed cases of skin diseases. Socio-demographic data was collected. Patients scoring more than 12 on GHQ were examined for presence of psychiatric illness. Clinical interview & Mental Status Examination (MSE) of these patients was carried out to ascertain diagnosis according to ICD-10. Findings: As per ICD-10 diagnosis 34.2% of total sample were diagnosed with definite Psychiatric comorbidity. Maximum number of cases were of Depression 36.32% (N=146) followed by Anxiety disorder 18.41% (74) and 7.96% (N=32) with Somatoform disorder. Obsessive compulsive disorder was diagnosed in 6.47% (N=26) followed by Adjustment disorder 4.98% (N =20) and Alcohol dependence syndrome 4.98% (N=20). Minimum number of cases belonged to Schizophrenia 2.99% (N=12) and Bipolar Affective Disorder 2.99% (N =12). No diagnosis was found in 14.93% (N =60). Conclusion: Significant psychiatric comorbidity exists in patients of dermatology. Biopsychosocial approach to patients with skin disease should be sought by liaison between psychiatrist and dermatologist.