Prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities and treatment initiation in African American pediatric patients with vitiligo: A retrospective, single-center, case-control studyCapsule Summary

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo may impact psychosocial development, especially among African American pediatric patients, given heightened visibility and increasing rates of anxiety and depression in this subpopulation. Objective: Evaluate psychiatric comorbidities and treatment initiation in African American pediatric patients. Methods: A total of 327 African American pediatric patients with vitiligo were each matched to 3 patients without vitiligo by age, race, and sex in this case-control study. Prevalence of psychiatric conditions and subsequent initiation of pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy were analyzed. Results: Compared to controls, pediatric African American patients with vitiligo were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with depression (P < .001) disruptive behavior disorders (P < .001), eating disorders (P = .013), generalized anxiety disorder (P < .001), substance abuse (P = .011), and suicidal ideation (P = .005). Patients with depression, disruptive behavior disorders, and eating disorders had higher initiation rates (76.5%, 82.1%, and 100%, respectively) for psychiatric treatment compared to those with generalized anxiety disorder and substance abuse (55.3% and 61.5%). Nearly 15% of patients did not initiate treatment for suicidal ideation. Limitations: This retrospective study has a limited sample size in a single institution and does not explore psychiatric treatment efficacy. Conclusions: Better understanding of associated psychological comorbidities and impacts on African American children of vitiligo may improve quality of life and dermatologic outcomes for these individuals.

Keywords

• pediatric dermatology
• psychiatric comorbidities
• psychodermatology
• skin of color
• vitiligo