Prevalence of mental disorders and syndromic mental distress in patients with chronic dermatoses: A cross-sectional epidemiological study

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence and clinical structure of comorbid mental disorders among patients with chronic dermatoses, to identify associations with specific nosological forms of skin diseases, and to perform a differential analysis of subsyndromal mental distress. Material and methods. A single-center, cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted, including 500 patients diagnosed with chronic dermatoses at the Clinic for Skin and Venereal Diseases named after V.A. Rakhmanov of the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University from March 2025 to March 2026. Dermatological and psychiatric diagnoses were validated according to ICD-10 criteria. To assess participants’ mental status, a battery of validated assessment scales was used, along with a consultation with a psychiatrist. Participants were stratified into three groups: patients with psychiatric comorbidity, patients with subsyndromal mental distress, and a comparison group. Results. Psychiatric diagnoses conforming to ICD-10 criteria were confirmed in 46.4% of the overall population (n=232). The structure of comorbidity was primarily characterized by a prevalence of adaptation disorders (F43), which accounted for 61.2% of the group diagnosed with mental disorders. The highest risk of comorbid conditions was associated with psoriasis (odds ratio [OR]=2.34; p<0.001), atopic dermatitis (OR=2.18; p=0.002), and vitiligo (OR=2.13; p=0.044). Subsyndromal mental distress was identified in 39.6% of patients (n=198). Quality of life, as measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index, was significantly reduced in the group with subsyndromal mental distress (median score of 14.0), which was comparable to that of the group with verified psychiatric diagnoses (18.4±6.3). Notably, psychogenic exacerbations of dermatosis were reported in 37.6% of patients, with those receiving psychotropic therapy experiencing significantly fewer exacerbations (median 2.0 vs. 4.0; p=0.018). Conclusions. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity among patients with chronic dermatoses is substantial, encompassing 86.0% of the population when considering subsyndromal conditions. The data obtained underscore the necessity for the introduction of systematic screening for psychosomatic status within dermatological protocols and advocate for a transition towards a multidisciplinary care model that integrates both dermatological and psychiatric management.