Mental Health Disorders Among Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients – A Review of Literature

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects areas of the body with a high concentration of sweat glands, characterised by painful papules, abscesses and scarring. It occurs in approximately 1-4% of people and is frequently associated with other health problems such as obesity, smoking and metabolic problems. HS can cause both physical and psychological suffering beyond simple pain. This review aims to assess the mental health challenges of people living with HS.

Review methods: All data were collected from publicly available sources. This article's databases were accessed via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.

A brief description of the state of knowledge: HS is more than a dermatological disorder; it’s intimately associated with multiple other conditions. Patients affected by HS have a greater prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. The psychological toll of HS is significant, with research indicating elevated rates of conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance abuse. The association between physical health and mental well-being is an important concern, as these mental health challenges can lead to the further decline in a patient’s quality of life and increase the risk of self-harm or suicide.

Summary: Overall, although HS is primarily a physical health issue, its psychological implications must not be overlooked. People are increasingly prone to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. These psychological issues can be a vicious cycle of suffering that impacts their general wellbeing. Treating both the somatic and mental implications of HS must be a priority for enhancing patient outcomes.