2023-11-09 23:45:00
Key points
Eczema can lead people to depression and anxiety, a new study reports. Almost three-quarters of people with eczema had poor mental health in the previous 10 days, a survey found. But only regarding half had been referred by their allergist to a counselor.
THURSDAY, Nov. 9, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Eczema can be a burden on the mind as well as the body, a new survey shows. People with eczema are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, and it gets worse when they occur additional allergic symptoms, according to a study to be presented Thursday at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Anaheim, California. Nearly three in four (72%) patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) – – the medical term for eczema – report having had symptoms of poor mental health for up to 10 days during the previous month, the results show. About one in five (17%) said they had symptoms of poor mental health for 11 days or more. “People who don’t have AD don’t understand how debilitating it can be,” said the study’s lead author, Allison Loiselle, senior manager of data science and research at the National Eczema Association. “In addition to the terrible itching and dry, cracked skin, there are often disruptions in sleep and broader effects on quality of life and overall well-being,” Loiselle said in an ACAAI news release. “Depression and anxiety are among the symptoms of those who have AD and deal with the chronic and unpredictable nature of this condition.” For the study, researchers surveyed nearly 1,000 people with eczema. About a third of patients (36%) reported that their current eczema was mild. Despite the impact eczema had on their mental health, a third (35%) of patients said they had never discussed mental health with their allergist and 57% said they had never been asked regarding it. However, almost half (45%) said their allergist had referred them to mental health services. “It can be extremely difficult to live with AD,” they said Tamara Hubbard, a licensed clinical professional counselor and member of the ACAAI. “The itching can be relentless and many also fear that AD will negatively affect their appearance.” People with eczema have reported suffering from social impairment, emotional and behavioral problems, and significant psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. “Work with an allergist to seek treatments that reduce the effects of AD, along with a mental health professional, can help address the emotional and psychological effects of AD,” said Hubbard, who was not part of the study. The findings presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. More information The Cleveland Clinic has more on eczema. SOURCE: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, news release, Nov. 9, 2023
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