A Cross Sectional Study of Psychiatric Morbidity and Quality of Life in Vitiligo Patients

Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic disorder of skin pigmentation caused by the selective destruction of melanocytes. It causes psychological distress and affects quality of life. Materials and method: An institution based case control study with 55 cases and 55 controls with vitiligo and without vitiligo was undertaken. They were assessed using the Vitiligo area severity index (VASI), Vitiligo Disease Activity Scoring (VDAS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Results: In our study sample 29.1 % had vulgaris, 27.3 % had focal type of vitiligo, and 32.7 % had acro-facial vitiligo, 5.5 % mixed and 5.5 % segmental type of vitiligo was respectively seen. 76.4 % of the cases scored for mild depression and 16.4 % of the cases scored for moderate degree of depression. 23 (41.8 %) of the cases had mild degree of anxiety and 2 (3.6 %) had moderate degree of anxiety. Acro- facial and vulgaris group scored more for anxiety. Significant difference between two groups on WHO Quality of Life scale BREF and DLQI scores. Discussion: Psychiatric morbidity and Quality of Life was found to be significant in patient group with vitiligo than normal controls. There was a higher positive correlation between QOL and VASI scores, denoting the poor quality of life in patients attributable to the severity of the lesions. Conclusion: Psycho-dermatological services will help to mitigate the sufferings and improve the quality of life of patients with vitiligo.