A longitudinal, population-based birth study investigated the association of atopic dermatitis (AD) with internalizing behaviour and symptoms of depression in childhood and adolescence. The study also explored the mediating factors, including asthma/rhinitis, sleep, and inflammation.

The study enrolled pediatric patients who were followed from birth to a mean (SD) of 10.0 (2.9) years.

The study evaluated the annual period prevalence of AD at 11 points (from 6 months to 18 years) measured by standardized questions about flexural dermatitis.

Depression symptoms were estimated utilizing child-reported responses to the Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire at 5 points (from 10 to 18 years) 

The internalizing behaviour were evaluated utilizing maternal report of the Emotional Symptoms subscale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire at 7 points (from 4 to 16 years).

The observations of the study were as follows-

The study enrolled 11,181 pediatric patients

• 51.2% of them were male.
• The period prevalence of symptoms of depression was found to range from 6.0% to 21.6%
• The period prevalence for internalizing behaviour was found to range from 10.4% to 16.0%
• Mild to moderate AD was not found to be related to the symptoms of depression, rather with internalizing behaviour earliest at 4 years of age.
• Severe AD was found to be linked with symptoms of depression and internalizing symptoms. 

The sleep quality was found to mediate some of this association, but the differences in sleep duration, asthma/rhinitis, or levels of inflammatory markers (interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein) were not clear.

Thus this study concluded that AD is associated with symptoms of depression and internalizing behaviors throughout childhood and adolescence. Further, the risk of internalizing symptoms was aggravated with mild AD beginning early in childhood. The study also highlighted the importance of behavioral and mental health awareness in this group of children.

Source- Dermatology Times [Internet]. Atopic Dermatitis and Mental Health of Pediatric Patients, October 11, 2021. Available From: https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/atopic-dermatitis-and-mental-health-of-pediatric-patients