Suicidal ideation associated with vitiligo - A systematic review of prevalence and assessment

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic dermatological condition associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, including Suicidal Ideation (SI). Therefore, understanding of SI in patients with vitiligo is critically important. This systematic review aimed to investigate the assessment, and prevalence of SI in vitiligo patients. Method: This systematic review was prepared according to the PRISMA statement. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and additional sources to find out relevant articles. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were carried out independently by two reviewers. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist tool to assess the methodological quality of the included study. Findings: Six studies involving 516 vitiligo patients were included in the analyses. The prevalence of suicidal ideation ranged from 6% to 25%. Two studies relied on 28 items General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the remaining studies used the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology- Self Report-16 (QIDS-SR-16) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Conclusion: Clinicians should aware that a significant proportion of vitiligo patients are exposed to the risk of suicide. Therefore, it is recommended that vitiligo patients should be screened for suicidal ideation and make appropriate referrals to treat their psychiatric morbidities.

Keywords

• Prevalence
• Suicidal ideation
• Vitiligo