Mood symptoms, neurodevelopmental traits, and their contributory factors in X‐linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris and psoriasis. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wren, Georgina H.; Humby, Trevor; Thompson, Andrew R.; Davies, William
• Is Part Of: Clinical and experimental dermatology. Volume 47:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1097
• Page End: 1108
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/ced.15116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0307-6938

Abstract

Summary: Background: High rates of adverse mood/neurodevelopmental traits are seen in multiple dermatological conditions, and can significantly affect patient quality of life. Understanding the sex‐specific nature, magnitude, impact and basis of such traits in lesser‐studied conditions like ichthyosis, is important for developing effective interventions. Aim: To quantify and compare relevant psychological traits in men with X‐linked ichthyosis (XLI, n = 54) or in XLI carrier women ( n = 83) and in patients with ichthyosis vulgaris (IV, men n = 23, women n = 59) or psoriasis (men n = 30, women n = 122), and to identify factors self‐reported to contribute most towards depressive, anxious and irritable phenotypes. Methods: Participants recruited via relevant charities or social media completed an online survey of established questionnaires. Data were analysed by sex and skin condition, and compared with general population data. Results: Compared with the general population, there was a higher rate of lifetime prevalence of mood disorder diagnoses across all groups and of neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses in the XLI groups. The groups exhibited similarly significant elevations in recent mood symptoms (Cohen d statistic 0.95–1.28, P < 0.001) and neurodevelopmental traits ( d = 0.31–0.91, P < 0.05) compared with general population controls, and self‐reported moderate effects on quality of life and stigmatization. There were strong positive associations between neurodevelopmental traits and recent mood symptoms ( r > 0.47, P < 0.01), and between feelings of stigmatization and quality of life, particularly in men. Numerous factors were identified as contributing significantly to mood symptoms in a condition or sex‐specific, or condition or sex‐independent, manner. Conclusion: We found that individuals with XLI, IV or psoriasis show higher levels of mood disorder diagnoses and symptoms than matched general population controls, and that the prevalence and severity of these is similar across conditions. We also identified a number of factors potentially conferring either general or condition‐specific risk of adverse mood symptoms in the three skin conditions, which could be targeted clinically and/or through education programmes. In clinical practice, recognizing mood/neurodevelopmental problems in ichthyosis and psoriasis, and addressing the predisposing factors identified by this study should benefit the mental health of affected individuals. Abstract : In this study, we have quantified mood and neurodevelopmental traits across three dermatological conditions (X‐linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris and psoriasis) and across the sexes. We show high levels of mood and neurodevelopmental traits in all three conditions, and identify potential contributory factors amenable to clinical intervention.