Korean J Dermatol.  2022 May;60(4):235-241.

Anxiety Sensitivity and Psychological Distress in Patients with Rosacea: A Questionnaire-Based Study

• Kwon HE
• Ahn HJ
• Shin MK

Abstract

Background
Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the skin of the central face. Anxiety sensitivity (AS) refers to the fear of sensations and symptoms arising from an expected experience of anxiety. High AS can cause anxiety disorders. Several studies have evaluated depression in patients with rosacea; however, AS has not yet been investigated.
Objective
We aimed to investigate AS, depression, and quality of life in patients with rosacea.
Methods
Eighty-five patients with rosacea and 85 controls (aged＞18 years) were enrolled in the study. The severity of rosacea was evaluated according to the standard guidelines of the National Rosacea Society. Patients with rosacea and controls were asked to complete the Korean version of the anxiety sensitivity index-revised (ASI-R), beck depression inventory (BDI), and dermatology life quality index (DLQI).
Results
The ASI, BDI, and DLQI scores were significantly higher in patients with rosacea than in controls (p＜ 0.001). In particular, the cardiovascular subscale of the ASI was significantly increased in patients with rosacea. The ASI and BDI scores were significantly correlated. DLQI scores were weakly correlated with ASI compared with BDI scores in patients with rosacea.
Conclusion
Our study is the first to report that AS is elevated in patients with rosacea. It is necessary to consider the anxiety-related symptoms of patients with rosacea, as they may benefit from psychological intervention to alleviate distress.

Keyword

Anxiety disorders; Depression; Psychological distress; Quality of life; Rosacea