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Addictions in patients with atopic dermatitis: a cross-sectional pilot study in Germany
A C Pilz1, V Durner1,2, M C Schielein1,3
1Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
|September 29, 2021
Summary
This study found higher rates of addiction in adult atopic dermatitis (AD) patients compared to the general population. Routine screening for substance use and behavioral addictions may improve care for AD patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition with numerous comorbidities.
- While mental health comorbidities like depression are well-studied in AD, data on addiction prevalence remains scarce.
- Understanding addiction comorbidity is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of various addictions among adult patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.
- To utilize a single-center approach for assessing addiction rates in this specific patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 157 adult AD patients at a German university hospital.
- Patients completed validated questionnaires assessing disease severity (POEM), quality of life (DLQI), smoking, alcohol use, drug abuse, internet addiction, and pathological gambling.
- Data collected between March 2020 and May 2020.
Main Results:
- 14.1% of AD patients were regular smokers, 12.1% screened positive for alcohol dependency, and 6.4% for drug use disorders.
- Prevalence rates for Internet addiction (4.5%) and pathological gambling (3.2%) were also identified.
- Co-occurrence of addictions was observed, with a correlation between higher DLQI scores and smoking.
Conclusions:
- Adult AD patients exhibit higher positive screening rates for problematic alcohol consumption, drug use disorders, Internet addiction, and gambling compared to the general population.
- These findings suggest a potential link between atopic dermatitis and addictive behaviors.
- Routine screening for addictions in AD patients could enhance patient-centered healthcare and management strategies.
