The influence of depression on the outcome of treatment in occupational dermatoses workers.
BACKGROUND
Contact dermatitis accounts for approximately 50% of occupational illnesses and is responsible for an estimated 25% of all lost work days.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the usefulness of using psycho-behavioural assessment in identifying the influence of depression on the treatment of occupational dermatoses.


METHODS
The study was conducted on 250 furnace workers exposed to arsenic in Helwan district, Cairo, Egypt. A complete history including occupational history and medical assessment were done followed by undergoing a neurobehavioural battery. The battery included the Beck Depression Inventory, personality tests, and cognitive tests. Patients received a class 1 topical corticosteroid, potassium permanganate soaks, and oral antihistamine for 6 months and after a change of work they were re-examined.


RESULTS
After 6 months, patients were divided into two groups according to response to therapy: group A (responders) and group B (non-responders). The psycho-behavioural battery was compared between both groups and showed a significant difference, suggesting the influence of depression on the outcome of treatment among group B patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Psycho-behavioural analysis of occupational dermatitis patients before starting treatment is recommended. All occupational dermatitis patients showing a bad psycho-behavioural test should be psychologically treated with psychotherapy or antidepressants.
El Azim
Said Abd
SA
Department of Psychiatry, Kasr El-Eini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Selim
Ashraf A
AA
El-Raheem
Talal Abd
TA
D001151:Arsenic / Q000009:adverse effects; D001519:Behavior; D003071:Cognition; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010551:Personality
D001151:Arsenic