Frequency of depression in patients suffering from Vitiligo

Background: Some skin diseases cause severe stress in patients and relieving these stresses greatly helps to treat the underlying disease and to prevent the recrudescence of it. Objectives: To determine the frequency of depression in patients suffering from vitiligo. Patients and Methods: 120 patients with a clinical diagnosis of vitiligo referred to dermatologic clinics in Kerman from 1380 to 1381 were studied. The impression of vitiligo was made according to clinical interview and physical examination. After filling the questionnaire the patients were referred to psychiatric clinic to fill in the Hamilton questionnaire. Results: 120 patients included 74 women (61.6%) and 46 men (38.4%) with mean age of 23±13 years. 30.83% (37 patients) had no depressive disorder, 38.34% (46 patients) had depressed mood and 30.83% (37 patients) had major depressive disorder. From 37 patients with major depressive disorder, 27 patients (73%) were female and 10 patients (27%) were male (P<0.001). Conclusion: Any clinical intervention that reduces the extension and visibility of depigmentation will have psychologic benefit. It may be important to recognize and deal with the social and psychologic consequences of the disease.