Psychologic Effects of Vitiligo: a Critical Incident Analysis

Background: Qualitative and quantitative studies have shown that cutaneous diseases can have significant effects on psychologic well-being and social functioning in a variety of interpersonal situations.

Objective: Our purpose was to assess the nature and extent of the social and psychologic difficulties associated with vitiligo using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.

Methods: Six hundred fourteen members of the U.K. Vitiligo Society completed a questionnaire that included the 12-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and an open-ended question concerning the effects of the disease on their life.

Results: Thirty-five percent of the respondents scored above the threshold on the GHQ. Analysis of the qualitative data indicated that vitiligo affects lives in a variety of ways consistent with perceived stigma and that some categories of response (such as avoidance of activities and negative reactions by others) were associated with higher GHQ scores.

Conclusion: Many persons with vitiligo show indications of significant distress that are related to specific types of social encounters and emotional disturbance.