The Impact of Untreated Depression and Anxiety Among Patients With Skin Diseases in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Impact of Untreated Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Skin Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study in Jeddah

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the prevalence and severity of untreated depression and anxiety among adults with skin diseases in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The main question it aims to answer is:

Do patients with skin diseases experience significant levels of untreated depression and anxiety?

Participants diagnosed with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis completed the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaires to assess their mental health symptoms. The study also explores whether factors like age or type of skin disease are associated with more severe psychological distress.

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted to assess the prevalence and severity of untreated depression and anxiety among adult patients diagnosed with common dermatological conditions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study focused on patients living with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, vitiligo, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, and alopecia. Conditions that are not only physically distressing but also associated with significant psychological impact.

Participants were recruited through dermatology clinics and online platforms. Standardized and validated screening tools, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), were used to evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Participants were eligible if they were between 18-65 years old, residing in Jeddah, and had not received prior psychiatric treatment for depression or anxiety.

The study also examined potential correlations between psychological distress and clinical or demographic variables such as age, sex, income level, education, and disease severity. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors of untreated mental health symptoms in this population.

By quantifying the emotional burden associated with skin disease and identifying at-risk subgroups, the study aims to support the integration of routine mental health screening into dermatologic practice. The findings underscore the need for a more comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach to dermatology care in Saudi Arabia, where psychological symptoms are often underrecognized and undertreated.

• Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Adults aged 18 to 65 years
  2. Residents of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  3. Diagnosed with one or more of the following skin diseases: acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, vitiligo, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, or alopecia areata
  4. Able to complete the study questionnaire in Arabic or English

• Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Age below 18 or above 65 years
  2. Absence of diagnosis for the specified skin diseases
  3. Presence of chronic systemic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, or epilepsy
  4. Inability to provide informed consent or complete the questionnaire