Isabelle Jalenques, Sophie Lauron, Sebastien Almon, Bruno Pereira, Michel D'Incan, Fabien Rondepierre
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3660

The association between certain chronic inflammatory skin diseases and psychiatric disorders or conditions has been well documented. However, the exact magnitude of the association between lichen planus and depression/anxiety symptoms and disorders is un­known. A systematic review and pooled meta-analyses were performed to examine the prevalence and odds of depression and anxiety in patients with lichen planus. The meta-analyses showed a high prevalence of signs of depression (27% [19-36%]) and anxiety (28% [21-36%]). The geographical location of the study may partly explain these vari­ations, but method­ological differences could also be involved. Case-control studies showed a strong association between lichen planus and signs of depression (odds ratio 3.79, 95% confidence interval [2.35; 6.12]) or anxiety (odds ratio 2.54, 95% confidence interval [1.73; 3.72]). These results raise the necessity of screening for the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms or disorders in patients with lichen planus, and of referring such patients for psychiatric evaluation and appropriate treatment, if necessary.

The exact prevalence and odds ratio of depression and anxiety in patients with lichen planus are unknown. In this systematic review and meta-analyses of 19 and 18 articles on depression and anxiety, respectively, the overall estimated pooled prevalence was 27% for signs of depression and 28% for signs of anxiety. This study showed a strong association between lichen planus and signs of depression (odds ratio 3.79) and anxiety (odds ratio 2.54). These results raise the necessity of screening for the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms/disorders in patients with lichen planus.

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