Evaluating the prevalence, risk factors, and potential areas of intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from autoimmune bullous diseases

Background: Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been observed in patients with life-threatening health conditions, ranging from cancer to asthma. Autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD) are chronic, relapsing diseases that significantly impair quality of life in affected patients. Growing evidence has indicated a high degree of psychological distress associated with AIBD. Indeed, even during disease remission, many patients with AIBD can experience nonspecific symptoms similar that elicit significant anxiety and fear of recurrence of their skin disease.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research