Stress in dermatology patients: A multicenter observational study of 8295 outpatients and controls from 22 European clinics
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Skin diseases are symptomatic, visible, and stigmatizing and it is acknowledged that they can be associated with stress. However, large studies comparing disease-specific stress are scarce. Objectives: To investigate stress in a large, diverse sample of patients with different skin conditions and identify predictors of stress. Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in 22 dermatology clinics across 17 European countries (response rate 82.4%). The study included 5487 patients diagnosed with various dermatological conditions and 2808 skin-healthy controls. The Perceived Stress Scale, 10 items was used to measure stress. Results: Patients reported significantly higher stress levels, more stressful life events during the last 6 months, and more economic difficulties than controls. Patients with psychodermatological conditions, hyperhidrosis, hidradenitis suppurativa, atopic dermatitis, acne, and urticaria experienced the highest stress levels. 44% of the variance of perceived stress in patients with skin conditions could be predicted by sociodemographic data and disease-related and psychological variables (depression, anxiety, stigmatization, and body dysmorphic concerns). Limitations: As with all cross-sectional studies, causality and directionality cannot be inferred. Conclusion: Stress poses a significant psychosocial burden to dermatological patients, especially to vulnerable subgroups. Health interventions targeting stress may be essential to improve clinical outcomes.
Source: JAAD International
Authors: Flora Balieva, Christina Schut, Csanád Szabó, Francesca Sampogna, Florence J. Dalgard, Ilknur K. Altunay, Anthony Bewley, Bárbara Roque Ferreira, Andrew Y. Finlay, Uwe Gieler, Tamara Gracia-Cazaña, Vesna Grivcheva-Panovska, Gregor B. Jemec, Franz J. Legat, Lars Lien, Andrey Lvov, Servando E. Marron, Laurent Misery, Adam Reich, Dmitry Romanov, Saskia Spillekom-van Koulil, Sonja Ständer, Ake Svensson, Jacek C. Szepietowski, Andrew R. Thompson, Geraldine Titeca, Lucía Tomás-Aragonés, Nienke Vulink, Claudia Zeidler, Jörg Kupfer
Institutions: Stavanger University Hospital, University of Bergen, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, University of Szeged, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Skåne University Hospital, Lovisenberg Diakonale Sykehus, Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, Queen Mary University of London, Barts Health NHS Trust, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, University of Algarve, Cardiff University, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Medical University of Graz, Innlandet Hospital Trust, University of Inland Norway, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Central State Medical Academy, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Brest, University of Rzeszów, Sechenov University, Mental Health Research Center of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, University Hospital Münster, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 4. Wojskowy Szpital Kliniczny z Polikliniką, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Universidad de Zaragoza, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam
Language: English
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,575
Funder: Universitetet i Bergen
OpenAlex ID: W7117367403