Psychopathology, depression and dissociative experiences in patients with lichen simplex chronicus.
OBJECTIVE
Psychogenic factors may play a contributory role in the development or persistence of lichen simplex chronicus (LSC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychiatric profile of patients with LSC including depression and dissociative experiences.


METHODS
Dermatology outpatients with a LSC (n=30) were compared with outpatients with tinea in which psychological factors are regarded as negligible (n=30). All subjects were given psychiatric scales including the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Dissociative Experience Scale (DES).


RESULTS
All mean SCL-90 scores for general psychopathology were higher in the LSC compared to the control group. HAM-D and DES scores were significantly higher in the LSC group (P<.05) as well. In addition, the number of patients whose total DES score of 30 and above was higher in the LSC group.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatric symptoms appear relatively common among patients with LSC. Further research is needed to confirm the possible role of dissociative tendencies in the etiology of LSC.
Konuk
Numan
N
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Kozlu/Zonguldak, Turkey. nkonuk@med.karaelmas.edu.tr
Koca
Rafet
R
Atik
Levent
L
Muhtar
Sennur
S
Atasoy
Nuray
N
Bostanci
Bora
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009450:Neurodermatitis / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales