Psychosomatic analysis of atopic dermatitis using a psychological test

In patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), psychosomatic factors are important elements in treating the condition. In this study, we surveyed 51 outpatients with AD who consulted the Department of Dermatology of Fujita Health University Hospital using a questionnaire involving present illness/treatment history regarding AD to analyze psychosomatic factors. The severity of AD was evaluated using the severity classification described by Yoshiike et al. Four psychological tests were used to examine depression, anxiety, personality, and upbringing experiences during childhood. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used as a scale for depression, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) as a scale for anxiety, the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) as a scale for the personality tendency, and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) as a scale for upbringing experiences during childhood. The BDI and SAS scores were high in the severe AD group. Among patients with the same grade of AD, the BDI and SAS scores were higher in the low IgE RIST group. In the patients with AD, the BDI scores were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls (P < 0.05). In clinical practice, the treatment of AD should include psychosomatic approaches.