Investigating the Relationship Between the Severity of Depression and Demographic Characteristics in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis in 2019

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, irritating skin disease that causes psychiatric disorders. It is necessary to know the effective factors that deteriorate this complication. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the severity of depression in patients with atopic dermatitis.

This descriptive-correlational study was performed in 2019 on 76 patients with atopic dermatitis using the convenience sampling method. The research tools were a demographic questionnaire and the Hamilton depression questionnaire. The Chi-square and the Fisher tests were used for statistical analysis.

The findings of this study showed that 22.4% of patients with atopic dermatitis had mild depression, 13.2% had moderate depression, and 2.6% had severe depression. Additionally, depression was significantly associated with age, gender, and higher education. 

Considering mild, moderate, or severe depression in patients with atopic dermatitis along with the effective factors in exacerbating their condition, patients with atopic dermatitis at higher risks should be properly screened and psychological counseling, appropriate training, and standard treatment should be provided to them.