Sarcouncil Journal of Medical Sciences

Abstract: The prevalence of vitiligo ranges greatly all over the world, from 0.004% to 2.28%. [Krüger, C. et al., 2012] More than half of those affected by it do so before age 20, and it can affect persons of any age or race. Segmental and generalised kinds are the two basic categories. [Whitton, M.E. et al., 2015] The traditional appearance is a symmetrical distribution of depigmentation that starts on the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, axillae, and around the lips and eyes, which has led it to be a stigmatised condition in society.[Nordlund, J.J, 2011] All of this can have an impact on a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. Aims-To study the prevalence of social anxiety in patients diagnosed with vitiligo. Methods– After the approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, 40 patients visiting the Department of Dermatology in a tertiary hospital were identified and enrolled for this study. After obtaining informed consent, patients were questioned using a semi-structured proforma. A psychiatric evaluation was conducted using the Leibowitz social anxiety scale and DSM-5. Results were obtained after the data was collated, statistically analysed, and evaluated. Results– The sample’s average age was 36.18 years. Of the total 40 applicants, 60% (n=24) were women, while 40% (n=16) were men. Although no diagnosable social anxiety disorder was detected in this study using DSM 5 criteria, the prevalence of social anxiety using the Leibowitz social anxiety scale was 32.5% (n=13). Gender had an effect on social anxiety levels. There was an inverse relationship between social anxiety and the duration of the illness. Conclusions-Individuals with vitiligo have a greater frequency of social anxiety than the general population. This has an influence on socio-occupational functioning because of avoidance of public areas due to humiliation.