Atopic Dermatitis and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prominent inflammatory skin disorder that significantly affects daily functioning and mental health in patients. Among its psychological repercussions, besides anxiety and depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has emerged with multiple studies indicating an increased risk of OCD in AD patients. This systematic review aims to synthesize and evaluate the current literature on the association between AD and OCD, with particular attention to mechanisms linking disease and integrative treatment approaches. A search of the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases was performed on September 12, 2024 to select peer-reviewed English studies relevant to our topic. Our results revealed the influences of demographic variables such as gender, age, and atopic severity as central to concomitant disease prevalence, with women and young adults posing the highest risk of comorbidity. The complex interaction between the two disease states is thought to be a bidirectional relationship characterized by immunological, behavioral, and genetic factors. Hence, an understanding of underlying pathophysiology is necessary for comprehensive management. Patients may benefit from a multifaceted approach including prescription of immunomodulatory agents and referral to psychiatry and psychology. Ultimately, we seek to inform clinical practice by advocating for interdisciplinary approaches to care and providing the framework for future investigations.