FAQPTSD in Vitiligo?

FAQ

Living with vitiligo often involves dealing with more than just skin changes. Many people with vitiligo face discrimination, social stigma, and isolation, which can lead to lower self-esteem, embarrassment, anxiety, and depression.

This chronic stress can be so severe that it leads to post-traumatic stress (PTS) or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can linger for years.

Results from the recent study demonstrated that 30.3% of patients with vitiligo had PTS and 12.5% were confirmed for PTS developing into PTSD. The researchers observed that only 5.9% of patients with PTS and 11.9% of those with PTSD had ever sought any type psychotherapy or medication.

The study team also found that the most common symptom of PTS in patients with vitiligo was sleep disturbance, followed by emotionally triggered thoughts, intrusive thoughts, avoidance of certain situations, and irritability. A significant 45% of vitiligo patients reported moderate or severe sleep issues, significantly affecting their quality of life. These symptoms can make vitiligo patients more prone to neuroticism and emotional vulnerability.

 

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