title: Psychosocial effects of vitiligo.
abstract: A limited number of studies have paid attention to the psychosocial well-being of patients affected with vitiligo. We review the psychosocial effects of vitiligo, how patients deal with them and the psychiatric morbidity in vitiligo patients. Given the appreciable comorbidity, it is important to consider these observations in the management of patients, for example in patient-physician interaction but also in treatment strategies and evaluation of treatments. The effects of the psychological state on the disease itself together with the potential therapeutic implications are reviewed. Based on these data, we suggest how to further improve patient's management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ongenae
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Beelaert
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: van Geel
authors.forename: J-M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Naeyaert
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001828:Body Image; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy