PSYCHOSOCIAL CORRELATES OF ECZEMA IN A NON-TREATMENT-SEEKING POPULATION

Data from the Vietnam Experience Study were used to examine psychosoci al correlates of eczema. Based upon the results of dermatologic examin ations, three groups of male veterans were identified: (a) subjects wi th eczema (n=80), (b) subjects with tinea (n=282), and (c) subjects wi th no medical diagnosis (n=176). These three groups were compared on m easures of anxiety, depression, hostility, and social support. The Dia gnostic Interview Schedule (Version III-A) was used to determine diagn oses of anxiety and depression and level of social support. MMPI Scale s 2 and 7, the Wiggins content scale of Depression, and the Cook-Medle y Hostility Scale were used to assess anxiety, depression, and hostili ty. Eczema subjects did not differ from tinea or no-disease control gr oups on dependent measures. These results are contrasted with previous studies of treatment-seeking patients, which showed greater prevalenc e of anxiety and depression among individuals with eczema. Directions for future research are suggested.