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Psychiatric morbidity in leprosy and psoriasis--a comparative study
S Bharath1, C Shamasundar, R Raghuram
1Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore.
Indian Journal of Leprosy
|February 25, 1998
Summary
Psychiatric morbidity is less prevalent but more severe in leprosy patients compared to psoriasis patients. Depressive neurosis is the most common diagnosis in both groups, highlighting the psychological impact of chronic skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Dermatology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Leprosy and psoriasis are chronic conditions that can impact mental health.
- Understanding the psychiatric burden in these patient groups is crucial for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence and severity of psychiatric morbidity in leprosy patients versus psoriasis patients.
- To identify patterns of psychopathology in both patient cohorts.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 30 leprosy patients and a control group with psoriasis.
- Assessment of psychiatric morbidity using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).
- Analysis of psychopathology diagnosis patterns.
Main Results:
- Psychiatric morbidity prevalence was significantly lower in leprosy patients (122/1000) than in psoriasis patients (476/1000).
- The severity of psychiatric issues, measured by GHQ, was significantly higher in leprosy patients (p < 0.05).
- No significant difference was found in the diagnostic patterns of psychopathology between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Despite lower prevalence, leprosy patients experience more severe psychiatric morbidity compared to psoriasis patients.
- Depressive neurosis is the most frequent diagnosis in both leprosy and psoriasis patients.
- These findings underscore the need for targeted mental health support for leprosy patients.