Prevalence of depression in vitiligo patients

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder affecting 1% to 4% of the population worldwide. The chronic nature of the disease, long-term treatment, and lack of uniform effective therapy are demoralizing for patients with vitiligo, leading to decreased self-image and depression. Prevalence and severity of depression in vitiligo patients was studied by self-administered questionnaires distributed in dermatology departments in Qassim Region. Modified Beck Depression Inventory Scale was the tool used in the questionnaire to study and classify depressive symptoms. A total of 308 vitiligo patients participated in our study, including 59.7% men and 40.3% women. According to the Beck Depression Scale, 54.5% were found to be depressed, most with mild depression. Depression was more prevalent in single patients, especially women in the first few years of the disease (P < .05). Age, sex, duration of disease, marital status, and educational level were significant factors that influenced severity and prevalence of depression. Assistance of a psychiatrist or psychologist is of crucial importance in taking care of vitiligo patients, especially in high-risk individuals.