Psychiatric symptoms and quality of life in patients affected by epidermolysis bullosa.
The aim of our study was to provide a psychosocial and psychiatric evaluation of patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB; a rare genetic disorder characterized by skin fragility), to assess psychological status, ascertain the presence of any psychiatric disorders and understand the impact of EB on quality of life. Twenty-five patients were assessed using a case record form and several standardized instruments. In 82% of patients, EB had a negative impact on quality of life and 80% of patients experienced psychiatric symptoms. Our findings revealed a high prevalence of psychosocial problems and psychiatric symptoms in patients with EB and suggested that a combined bio-psychosocial approach is the most appropriate therapeutic intervention.
Department of Neurologic and Psychiatric Sciences, University of Bari, Policlinico-P.zza Giulio Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy. margari.f@psichiat.uniba.it
Francesco
F
Margari
Paola A
PA
Lecce
Wanda
W
Santamato
Patrizia
P
Ventura
Nicola
N
Sportelli
Giuseppina
G
Annicchiarico
Ernesto
E
Bonifazi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004820:Epidermolysis Bullosa / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult