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RESEARCH PAPER
Psychological disorders in patients with lichen simplex chronicus: A comparative study with normal population
1
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Imam Reza Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3
Department of Psychiatry, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4
Department of Clinical Psychology, Kashmar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kashmar, Iran
5
School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Submission date: 2015-12-05
Acceptance date: 2016-05-04
Online publication date: 2016-06-23
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Corresponding author
Bita Kiafar
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Imam Reza Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Tel.: +98 5138022490; fax: +98 5138410135.
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Imam Reza Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Tel.: +98 5138022490; fax: +98 5138410135.
Pol. Ann. Med. 2017;24(2):129-132
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is an eczematous skin disease characterized by single or a few thickened and 'lichenified' skin plaques, with very disturbing itching. The role of psychological factors and transient relief of pruritus after violent scratching seems to be of great importance in development and perpetuation of its course. On the other hand, the chronic nuisance itching may lead to burdensome psychological distress and impaired quality of life.
Aim:
This study sought to elucidate more aspects of this interplay.
Material and methods:
40 patients with LSC (diagnosed clinically) and 40 healthy controls (selected between attendants of the patients with no skin problem) were enrolled in this study. Hamilton questionnaire and symptom checklist 90-revised (SCL-90 R) were filled by a psychologist for all cases. Demographic characteristics, localization of the skin lesions, personal and family history of psychiatric disorders (if existent) were recorded.
Results and discussion:
Mean scores of SCL-90-R in somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, aggression, and phobia items were significantly higher in patient group than control group. Regarding Hamilton depression test, the mean scores were higher in patient group, but the difference was not statically significant.
Conclusions:
Patients with LSC are subject to ample psychiatric morbidities. Close collaboration of dermatologist and psychiatrist is essential in its successful control.
Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is an eczematous skin disease characterized by single or a few thickened and 'lichenified' skin plaques, with very disturbing itching. The role of psychological factors and transient relief of pruritus after violent scratching seems to be of great importance in development and perpetuation of its course. On the other hand, the chronic nuisance itching may lead to burdensome psychological distress and impaired quality of life.
Aim:
This study sought to elucidate more aspects of this interplay.
Material and methods:
40 patients with LSC (diagnosed clinically) and 40 healthy controls (selected between attendants of the patients with no skin problem) were enrolled in this study. Hamilton questionnaire and symptom checklist 90-revised (SCL-90 R) were filled by a psychologist for all cases. Demographic characteristics, localization of the skin lesions, personal and family history of psychiatric disorders (if existent) were recorded.
Results and discussion:
Mean scores of SCL-90-R in somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, aggression, and phobia items were significantly higher in patient group than control group. Regarding Hamilton depression test, the mean scores were higher in patient group, but the difference was not statically significant.
Conclusions:
Patients with LSC are subject to ample psychiatric morbidities. Close collaboration of dermatologist and psychiatrist is essential in its successful control.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This article was extracted from the thesis prepared by Dr. Amir
Esmaeel Parandeh. The research council of the Mashhad
University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran is appreciated
for financially supporting this study, thesis number 6 452.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None declared.
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