People with vitiligo have a higher incidence of recurrent depressive disorder (RDD) and anxiety disorder compared with the general public, according to a study published in BJPsych Open. Using general practice data, Andrew R. Thompson, DClinPsy, and colleagues, conducted a retrospective observational study consisting of adults diagnosed
with vitiligo (N=7,224) matched with controls (N=28,880). Participants were assessed for RDD, non-phobia-related anxiety disorder, depressive episodes, adjustment disorder, social phobia, self-harm, substance misuse, and suicide attempts. Time off work, healthcare utilization, and unemployment within 1 year were compared in people with and
without a mental health condition at vitiligo diagnosis. Anxiety disorder (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.23; 95% CI, 1.00-1.51) and incident RDD (aHR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.55) were more prevalent in people with vitiligo. Black and ethnic minority individuals presented with the highest risk for RDD (aHR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.06-2.79) and depressive episodes (aHR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03-2.37). People with vitiligo and psychological comorbidities had higher unemployment, more time off work, and more primary care encounters.
