Prevalence of Shame-Related Disorders in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis Patients

Strategic Insights -

Mental health experts are sounding the alarm as a new study reveals the alarming rate of shame-related disorders in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The research, conducted by a team of dermatologists and psychologists at the University Medical Center Rostock in Germany, aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of shame-related disorders in patients with these two skin conditions. The findings, published in the Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, demonstrate a disturbing trend of increased shame-related disorders among patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 17.2% of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis experienced shame-related disorders, with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) being the most prevalent.
  • The point and lifetime prevalence of SRD was 10.6% and 26.5% for BDD, and 12.6% and 17.2% for SAD.
  • Shame-related disorders were associated with younger age and female sex.
  • Patients suffering from shame-related disorders showed significant reductions in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
  • The study suggests that shame-related disorders are a significant concern in the management of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and should be further investigated for their use in routine clinical practice.

Statistics:

  • 151 patients were included in the study, with 55 (36.4%) having atopic dermatitis and 96 (63.6%) having psoriasis.
  • 17.2% of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis experienced shame-related disorders.
  • 10.6% of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis experienced BDD, with a lifetime prevalence of 26.5%.
  • 12.6% of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis experienced SAD, with a lifetime prevalence of 17.2%.
  • Patients with shame-related disorders showed a significant reduction in DLQI scores.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports from University Medical Center Rostock Advance Knowledge in Anxiety Disorders (Shame-related disorders in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis - An exploratory, cross-sectional interview study on the prevalence and correlates ...). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 780.
  • Spitzer, C., Wulfing, C., Lubke, L., Emmert, S., & Thiem, A. (2025). Shame-related disorders in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis - An exploratory, cross-sectional interview study on the prevalence and correlates of body dysmorphic disorder and social anxiety disorder. JDDG, 2025.