Mental Health, Psychological Features and Psychiatric Comorbidity of Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis: A Review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Adolescence is a sensitive period of development marked by significant changes. The quality of life (QoL) of adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD) can be substantially impacted by the disease. The chronic nature of AD is particularly significant: due to recurring (relapsing) skin lesions, adolescents are likely exposed to greater stress and depressive symptoms than those experiencing transient or one-time symptoms. Aesthetic and functional AD skin lesions during adolescence lead to reduced happiness, high stress and depression.

METHODS

In this review, we wanted to present the current knowledge on mental health, psychological features and psychiatric comorbidity of adolescents with AD, based on the previous studies/research on this topic presented in the PubMed database.

RESULTS

Previous studies have confirmed that sleep disturbances, behavioral disorders, internalizing profiles, depression and anxiety, stress symptoms and suicidality represent the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities and psychological features in adolescents with AD. According to research data, adolescents with AD also reported a tendency toward feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts and attempts. The relationship between sleep disturbances, psychiatric disorders, and suicidality in adolescents with AD is complex and multifaceted.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate social competencies are essential for healthy mental development, as their impairments may be associated with psychological alterations or psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence that potentially persist into adulthood. These findings highlight the need for continuous psychological evaluation and the implementation of intervention programs from an early age. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, accompanied by psychopharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (when indicated), seem to be the most beneficial treatment options in AD patients who have the most frequent psychiatric comorbidities: depression and anxiety.