Depression and Anxiety in Melasma: Prevalence and Correlates in North India

Introduction: Melasma affects patient's psychological and emotional well-being. It has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Aims: The aim of the study was to find the prevalence of depression and anxiety and its correlates (if any) in melasma patients. Settings and Design: This study was done with the collaboration of Department of Dermatology and Psychiatry, Christian Medical College, and Hospital, Ludhiana. All the patients of melasma attending dermatology OPD during the study period were included in the study. Written informed consent of the patients was taken. Methods and Material: Study protocol was approved by the Institutional ethics committee. The patients were interviewed with specially designed Socio-demographic Performa, clinical profile sheet, PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Patients not willing to give consent and patients already on treatment for depression were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed using Epidata analysis Version 2.2.2. Results: Among 123 patients 100 were females and 23 were male. Mean age of the study population was 34.42 years. Mean duration of the illness was 42.19 months. Approximately one third (34.96%) of the patients had depression. 36.6% of the patients had anxiety. Majority of the patients had mild to moderate anxiety and only 1 patient had severe anxiety. Statistically significant association of depression was found with age, education and marital status and statistically significant association of anxiety was found with age, gender and marital status. Conclusions: Melasma is associated with depression and anxiety in approximately one third of the patients.