Atopic dermatitis (AD) and skin toxic reactions (STRs) in presence of anti-tumor therapy often proceed severely and are accompanied by significant itching.

OBJECTIVE

Comparative characteristics of clinical and psychosomatic indicators in patients with AD and STRs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group included patients with AD (n=106, mean age 38.52 years, 43 (40.6%) men), STRs in addition to anti-tumor therapy (n=93, mean age 55.6 years, 35 (37.6%) men). The PSS scale was used at baseline and questionnaires for general assessment of anxiety disorder (GAD-2), depression (PHQ-2) and generalized PHQ-4 scale — 1 month after treatment to assess the intensity of itching. Statistical data processing was done with the IBM SPSS Statistics 27 program.

RESULTS

Itching in patients with STRs and AD was comparable for indicators of both mean intensity and median of itching intensity. The frequency of suicidal thoughts was 2 times higher in patients with AD than in patients with STRs. When comparing the groups by depression and anxiety level, no significant differences have been found on the GHQ-4 and GAD-2 scales, and the differences were statistically significant on the PHQ-2 scale with normal findings in patients with STRs and increased values in patients with AD. A compensation of anxiety and depressive reactions has been noted in connection with the performed therapy and improvement of the skin process.

CONCLUSION

The comprehensive treatment of patients with AD and STRs should include screening aimed at early diagnosis of anxiety-depressive disorders, for which the GAAD-2, PHQ-2 and GHQ-4 scales can be applied.