Concern about malignancy contributes to the psychosocial toll of dermatomyositis

Objective: Dermatomyositis (DM) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, decreased quality of life, an incidence psychiatric illness. We performed a pilot study to investigate whether concern about malignancy contributes the psychosocial toll DM.Method: Patients recent DM diagnosis at our institution between 2013 2018 no history DM-associated completed standardized questionnaires novel survey generated by group, participated in focus groups.Results: Seventeen patients (14 females three males) surveys. The mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score was 2.75. on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) 5.35, range 0–20. Our independent DM-specific questionnaire revealed 17.41 (range 2–40).Conclusion: Concern risk DM. Individual impacts are highly variable patient specific. Clinicians should assess for depression anxiety DM, understanding that adds total burden some patients.