A Case Control Study of Psychiatric Morbidities among Subjects with Leprosy in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the pattern of psychiatric morbidity prevalent among leprosy patients and to compare it with two control groups; those suffering from Tinea vesicolor and Normal subjects. Design: Eighty-eight leprosy patients were matched for age and sex with those suffering from Tinea vesicolor as well as normal subjects. The subjects were assessed for psychiatric morbidity through a clinical interview with PSE-9. Results: The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among leprosy patients (580/1000) was significantly more than those with tinea vesicolor patients (182/1000) and normal subjects (148/1000) ( p < 0.05). Depressive illness was the most common diagnosis in the three groups. Conclusions: Leprosy patients are more likely to manifest with psychiatric illness than those suffering from Tinea vesicolor and normal subjects.