Association of vitiligo with hospitalization for mental health disorders in US adults

Background Vitiligo has a complex bidirectional relationship with mental health (MH) disturbances. However, little is known about the relationship between vitiligo and MH emergencies. Objective To examine the associations of vitiligo and MH hospitalizations in the United States. Methods Data from the 2002 to 2012 National Inpatient Sample were analysed, including a ~20% sample of all US hospitalizations (n = 87 053 155 children and adults). Prevalence of hospitalization for MH disorders, their length of stay (LOS) and cost of care were determined for those with vitiligo compared to those without vitiligo. Results Hospitalization for MH disorders occurred more commonly in those with vitiligo compared to those without vitiligo (4.17% vs. 2.18%). In multivariable logistic regression models, vitiligo was associated with higher odds of admission for any MH disorder [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.69 (1.61–1.78)], including 14 of 15 MH disorders examined. Associated MH disorders included anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, suicidal risk, personality disorder, ADD/ADHD and conduct disorder, substance use disorder, childhood and adolescent psychiatric illnesses, alcohol‐related disorders, adjustment disorders, developmental disorders, impulse control disorders, history of mental health disorders and miscellaneous mental health disorders. Vitiligo patients hospitalized with any MH disorder had higher geometric‐mean (95% confidence interval) cost of inpatient care [$10 992 ($10 477–$11 507) vs. $10 082 ($9728–$10 435)] and LOS [5.6 (5.3–5.8) vs. 4.8 (4.6–4.9); P < 0.0001] compared to those without vitiligo, with $10.5 million excess annual costs from hospitalization with MH disorders in persons with vitiligo. Conclusions Persons with vitiligo had increased hospitalization for multiple MH disorders, which were associated with a considerable cost burden.