Psychiatric comorbidity among male patients with leprosy and its relation to low levels of free testosterone

Background Several studies have shown increased prevalence of psychological morbidity in patients with leprosy.

Objective The objective of this article is to evaluate psychiatric comorbidity among male patients with leprosy and its relation to low levels of free testosterone.

Patients and methods Forty male patients with leprosy were subjected to the following: Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th ed., both Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory and level of free testosterone assessment.

Results The mean age of patients was 41.4±9.6 years, the mean duration of the disease was 11.5±9.5 years, physical deformity was present in ~37.5% of the patients and 27.5% had abnormal free testosterone. Fifty percent of the patients had anxiety symptoms regarding Beck Anxiety Inventory (50% mild, 32.5% moderate, and 5% severe), 32.5% of patients had depressive symptoms regarding Beck Depression Inventory (42.5% mild, 10% moderate), mixed anxiety depressive disorder were present in 30% of the patients.

The results showed that there was no statistical significant difference between deformity and both Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory scores. Also, there was no statistical significant difference between duration of disease and both Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory scores. Patients with low level of testosterone showed significantly higher anxiety and depressive scores on Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory, respectively, than those with normal hormonal level.

Conclusion Depressive and anxiety disorders are most prevalent in patients with leprosy. Therefore, the need for psychiatric evaluation among people with leprosy cannot be overemphasized as this will provide holistic approach in the management of these patients.