The incidence of anxiety and depression symptoms among caretakers of children with atopic dermatitis (AD) is high, according to a study published in the Annals of General Psychiatry. Researchers examined 901 children with AD and their caretakers at a pediatric dermatology facility. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were used to assess caretakers’ anxiety and depression symptoms. The researchers also utilized the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale to measure medication compliance, which was divided into three categories: poor (<6 points), moderate (6-7 points), and good (>7 points). Among caretakers, 41.5% had anxiety symptoms, 39.6% had depression symptoms, 51.4% had either depression or anxiety, and 29.7% had both. Issues linked with caretakers’ anxiety symptoms included longer illness duration and taking care of children with severe AD. Factors linked with depression symptoms included higher educational level, poor medication compliance, and caring for children with moderate and severe AD.
