Atopic dermatitis and psychosocial comorbidities

Dietary Galacto-oligosaccharides Ameliorate Atopic Dermatitis-like Skin Inflammation and Behavioral Deficits by Modulating Gut Microbiota-Brain-Skin Axis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic, highly pruritic, and inflammatory skin disorder, often coexists with psychiatric comorbidities including anxiety and depression, posing considerable challenges for treatment. The current research aims at evaluating the efficacy and potential therapeutic mechanism of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on AD-like skin lesions and comorbid anxiety/depressive disorders. Macroscopical and histopathological examination showed that GOS could markedly relieve skin inflammation by decreasing the production of IgE, IL-4, IL-13, IFN-γ, and TNF-α and regulating the PPAR-γ/NF-κB signaling in DNFB-induced AD mice. Moreover, GOS significantly improved the anxiety- and depressive-like symptoms as mirrored by the behavior tests including FST, TST, OFT, and EZM through normalizing the neurotransmitter levels of 5-HT, DA, NE, and CORT in the brain. Mechanistically, by virtue of the high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and GC-MS techniques, GOS restructured the gut microbiota and specifically induced the proliferation of Lactobacillus and Alloprevotella, leading to an increase in the total content of fecal SCFAs, in particular acetate and butyrate. Pearson correlation analysis found a marked correlation among the altered gut microbiota/SCFAs, AD-associated skin manifestations, and comorbid behavioral phenotypes. Collectively, this work highlights that GOS is a promising strategy against both AD and associated depressive symptoms by modulating the gut microbiota-brain-skin axis.

Multi-omics analyses reveal interactions between the skin microbiota and skin metabolites in atopic dermatitis

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases. Skin microecological imbalance is an important factor in the pathogenesis of AD, but the underlying mechanism of its interaction with humans remains unclear.

Methods

16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted to reveal the skin microbiota dynamics. Changes in skin metabolites were tracked by LC-MS metabolomics. We then explored the potential mechanism of interaction by analyzing the correlation between skin bacterial communities and metabolites in corresponding skin-associated samples.

Results

Samples from 18 AD patients and 18 healthy volunteers (HVs) were subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC-MS metabolomics. AD patients had dysbiosis of the skin bacterial community with decreased species richness and evenness. The relative abundance of the genus Staphylococcus increased significantly in AD, while the abundances of the genera Propionibacterium and Brevundimonas decreased significantly. The relative abundance of the genera Staphylococcus in healthy females was significantly higher than those in healthy males, while it showed no difference in AD patients with or without lesions. The effects of AD status, sex and the presence or absence of rashes on the number of differentially abundant metabolites per capita were successively reduced. Multiple metabolites involved in purine metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism pathways (such as xanthosine/xanthine and L-phenylalanine/trans-cinnamate) were increased in AD patients. These trends were much more obvious between female AD patients and female HVs. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the genus Staphylococcus was positively correlated with various compounds involved in phenylalanine metabolism and purine metabolic pathways. The genera Brevundimonas and Lactobacillus were negatively correlated with various compounds involved in purine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism and sphingolipid signaling pathways.

Discussion

We suggest that purine metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism pathway disorders may play a certain role in the pathogenic mechanism of Staphylococcus aureus in AD. We also found that females are more likely to be colonized by the genus Staphylococcus than males. Differentially abundant metabolites involved in purine metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism pathways were more obvious in female. However, we should notice that the metabolites we detected do not necessarily derived from microbes, they may also origin from the host.

A concept for integrated care pathways for atopic dermatitis-A GA2 LEN ADCARE initiative

INTRODUCTION

The integrated care pathways for atopic dermatitis (AD-ICPs) aim to bridge the gap between existing AD treatment evidence-based guidelines and expert opinion based on daily practice by offering a structured multidisciplinary plan for patient management of AD. ICPs have the potential to enhance guideline recommendations by combining interventions and aspects from different guidelines, integrating quality assurance, and describing co-ordination of care. Most importantly, patients can enter the ICPs at any level depending on AD severity, resources available in their country, and economic factors such as differences in insurance reimbursement systems.

METHODS

The GA2 LEN ADCARE network and partners as well as all stakeholders, abbreviated as the AD-ICPs working group, were involved in the discussion and preparation of the AD ICPs during a series of subgroup workshops and meetings in years 2020 and 2021, after which the document was circulated within all GAL2 EN ADCARE centres.

RESULTS

The AD-ICPs outline the diagnostic procedures, possible co-morbidities, different available treatment options including differential approaches for the pediatric population, and the role of the pharmacists and other stakeholders, as well as remaining unmet needs in the management of AD.

CONCLUSION

The AD-ICPs provide a multidisciplinary plan for improved diagnosis, treatment, and patient feedback in AD management, as well as addressing critical unmet needs, including improved access to care, training specialists, implementation of educational programs, assessment on the impact of climate change, and fostering a personalised treatment approach. By focusing on these key areas, the initiative aims to pave the way for a brighter future in the management of AD.

Pathological social withdrawal in autism spectrum disorder: A case control study of hikikomori in Japan

Introduction

Hikikomori, a form of pathological social withdrawal, has been suggested to have comorbidity with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aimed to clarify how characteristics of ASD are associated with hikikomori.

Methods

Thirty-nine adult male patients with a diagnosis of ASD attending our outpatient clinic for neurodevelopmental disabilities were subjected to a structured interview regarding social withdrawal, various self-administered questionnaires, and blood tests. Through structured interviews, the subjects were divided into two groups: (Group 1) ASD with hikikomori condition and (Group 2) ASD without hikikomori condition. Sixteen subjects qualified as hikikomori and 23 subjects qualified as subjects without hikikomori. Age, sex, autism spectrum quotient (AQ), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and FIQ were matched.

Results

Compared to non-hikikomori controls, hikikomori cases were likely to have stronger sensory symptoms, lower uric acid (UA) (p = 0.038), and higher rates of atopic dermatitis (p = 0.01). Cases showed more severe depressive and social anxiety symptoms based on self-rated scales: Patient Heath Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) (p < 0.001) and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Japanese Version (LSAS-J) (p = 0.04). Tarumi's Modern-Type Depression Trait Scale (TACS-22), which measure traits of Modern-Type Depression (MTD), were significantly higher in cases (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

The present study has suggested that ASD patients with hikikomori were more likely to have higher sensory abnormalities, comorbid atopic dermatitis, lower UA, stronger depressive, and anxiety tendency. Evaluating and approaching these aspects are important for appropriate interventions in ASD with hikikomori. Further investigations should be conducted to validate our pilot findings.

Treatment Patterns and Healthcare Resource Utilization Among Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using German Health Claims Data

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease. Many patients are initiating a systemic therapy, if the disease is not adequately controlled with topical treatment only. Currently, there is little real-world evidence on the AD-related medical care situation in Germany. This study analyzed patient characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with systemically treated AD for the German healthcare system.

Methods

In this descriptive, retrospective cohort study, aggregated anonymized German health claims data from the InGef research database were used. Within a representative sample of four million insured individuals, patients with AD and systemic drug therapy initiation (SDTI) in the index year 2017 were identified and included into the study cohort. Systemic drug therapy included dupilumab, systemic corticosteroids (SCS) and systemic immunosuppressants (SIS). Patients were observed for one year starting from the date of SDTI in 2017.

Results

9975 patients were included (57.8% female, mean age 39.6 years [SD 25.5]). In the one-year observation period, the most common systemic drug therapy was SCS (> 99.0%). Administrations of dupilumab (0.3%) or dispensations of SIS were rare (cyclosporine: 0.5%, azathioprine: 0.6%, methotrexate: 0.1%). Median treatment duration of SCS, cyclosporine and azathioprine was 27 days, 102 days, and 109 days, respectively. 2.8% of the patients received phototherapy; 41.6% used topical corticosteroids and/or topical calcineurin inhibitor. Average annual costs for medications amounted to € 1237 per patient. Outpatient services were used by 99.6% with associated mean annual costs of € 943; 25.4% had at least one hospitalization (mean annual costs: € 5836). 5.3% of adult patients received sickness benefits with associated mean annual costs of € 5026.

Conclusions

Despite unfavorable risk–benefit profile, this study demonstrated a common treatment with SCS, whereas other systemic drug therapy options were rarely used. Furthermore, the results suggest a substantial economic burden for patients with AD and SDTI.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-022-00773-3.

Zugang und Inanspruchnahme psychosomatischer Versorgung aus ärztlicher Sicht: Eine qualitative Interviewstudie

Hintergrund Chronisch entzündliche Hauterkrankungen sind häufig mit psychosozialen Beeinträchtigungen und einer reduzierten Lebensqualität vergesellschaftet. Ziel dieser Studie war es zu erfassen, wie spezialisiertes medizinisches Personal eines universitären Haut-Entzündungszentrums die Zugangswege und die Inanspruchnahme psychosomatischer Sondierungsgespräche oder Kurzzeitinterventionen bei PatientInnen mit chronisch entzündlichen Hauterkrankungen wahrnimmt.

Methoden Es wurden qualitative Erhebungen in Form von 10 Einzelinterviews mit medizinischem Personal durchgeführt, das zum Zeitpunkt der Befragung im Zentrum für entzündliche Hauterkrankungen der Uni-Hautklinik tätig war. Die Daten wurden inhaltsanalytisch mithilfe einer qualitativen Analysesoftware ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse aus den geführten Einzelinterviews ergaben, dass die Einbindung einer psychosomatischen Versorgung innerhalb eines dermatologischen Entzündungszentrums vom ärztlichen Personal als durchweg positiv bewertet wurde. Die Option auf ein zeit- und zentrumsnahes Gesprächsangebot nimmt dabei eine besondere Rolle ein. Experten fühlen sich mit der ortsnahen Einbindung psychosomatischer Expertise sicherer im Umgang mit belasteten Patient*innen. Der holistische Ansatz scheint einen positiven Einfluss auf die individuelle Behandlung und die Beziehungsgestaltung mit den Patient*innen zu nehmen. Dabei zeigten sich keine wesentlichen Unterschiede im Geschlecht und über verschiedene Altersgruppen hinweg.

Diskussion Die Möglichkeit zur zentrumsnahen Anbindung von belasteten Patient*innen in Form von zusätzlichen psychosomatischen Sondierungsgesprächen wie auch dem Einsatz von adaptierten Kurzzeitinterventionen trägt zur holistischen Behandlung bei, scheint einen günstigen Einfluss auf den somatischen Behandlungsverlauf zu nehmen und unterstützt Ärzt*innen in ihrer Behandlung.

Comorbidity Identification and Referral in Atopic Dermatitis: a Consensus Document

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with different comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-based and practical recommendations for comorbidity detection in patients with AD in daily practice.

METHODS

We employed a modified RAND/UCLA methodology, including a systematic literature review (SLR). A group of six experts on AD was established. We conducted a comprehensive search strategy on Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to June 2020. The selection criteria included studies with AD patients with any comorbidity reporting data on comorbidity prevalence, burden, and management. The included studies quality was assessed. The SLR results were discussed in a nominal group meeting, and several recommendations were generated. The recommendation agreement grade was tested on additional experts through a Delphi process.

RESULTS

The recommendations cover the following issues: 1) Which comorbidities should be investigated at the first and subsequent visits; 2) How and when should comorbidities be investigated (screening); 3) How should patients with specific comorbidities be referred to confirm their diagnosis and initiate management; 4) Specific recommendations to ensure an integral care approach for AD patients with any comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations seek to guide dermatologists, patients, and other stakeholders in regard to early comorbidity identification and AD patient referral to improve decision-making.

[Atopic dermatitis-identifying needs in the German population by internet search queries]

Hintergrund

Das Internet ist eine der wichtigsten Informationsquellen für gesundheitliche Themen für die Allgemeinbevölkerung. Deshalb kann die Analyse von Internetsuchmaschinen dabei helfen, die gesellschaftlichen Interessen und Bedürfnisse bezüglich Erkrankungen zu erfassen.

Ziel

Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Suchanfragen zu atopischer Dermatitis (AD) in Bezug auf Häufigkeit, Interessenschwerpunkt und zeitliches Auftreten in allen deutschen Bundesländern zu untersuchen, um mögliche regionale Unterschiede zu identifizieren.

Material und Methoden

Mithilfe des Google Ads Keyword Planner wurden AD relevante Keywords inklusive deren monatlichen Suchvolumens zwischen Januar 2017 und Dezember 2020 identifiziert, die in Interessenschwerpunkte unterteilt wurden.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 1419 Keywords gefunden, die ein Suchvolumen von 14.817.610 Anfragen hatten. Das größte Suchvolumen hatte die Kategorie Allgemein (n = 5.970.840), jedoch wurden der Kategorie Lokalisation die meisten Keywords zugeordnet (n = 348). Rund 60 % der Keywords zu Lokalisation bezogen sich auf AD im Gesicht. Von allen Bundesländern hatten Bremen und Hamburg das größte Suchvolumen pro 100.000 Einwohner. Mit über 70 % war ein enormer Anstieg im Suchvolumen zu beobachten, der v. a. 2020 sichtbar wurde.

Diskussion

Durch diese Internetsuchmaschinenanalyse konnte verdeutlicht werden, welche AD-relevanten Aspekte von besonderer Bedeutung für die Bevölkerung waren, was dabei helfen kann, Informationskampagnen zielgerichtet anzupassen. Zudem unterstreicht die Studie die immer größer werdende Relevanz des Internets als Informationsquelle für gesundheitliche Themen.

Zusatzmaterial online

Die Online-Version dieses Beitrags (10.1007/s00105-022-04974-x) enthält zusätzliche Tabellen. Beitrag und Zusatzmaterial stehen Ihnen im elektronischen Volltextarchiv auf https://www.springermedizin.de/der-hautarzt zur Verfügung. Sie finden das Zusatzmaterial am Beitragsende unter „Supplementary Information“.

A Structured Intervention for Medical Students Significantly Improves Awareness for Stigmatisation in Visible Chronic Skin Diseases: A Randomised Controlled Trial

People with visible skin diseases often experience stigmatisation. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a new intervention for medical students to counter the stigmatisation of people with skin diseases. The intervention was evaluated using a randomised controlled design. Effectiveness was assessed at 3 time points. Data from 127 participants were analysed. Regarding the outcome “social distance”, a significant difference between the measurement points was observed for the intervention group (χ²(2) = 54.32, p < 0.001), which also showed a significant effect on agreement with negative stereotypes (F(1.67, 118.67) = 23.83, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.25). Regarding the outcome “agreement with disease-related misconceptions”, a significant difference between the measurement time points was observed for the intervention group (χ²(2) = 46.33, p < 0.001); similar results were found for the outcome “stigmatising behaviour” (F(1.86, 131.89) = 6.16, p = 0.003, partial η2 = 0.08). The results should encourage medical faculties to invest in such courses in order to prevent stigmatisation of people with skin diseases.

The Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool: A High-Performance Tool for Optimal Support

The evaluation of global atopic dermatitis control is key to minimizing disease burden. The Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool (ADCT) has been developed for this purpose. Participants (diagnosed by a physician) were recruited to this observational cross-sectional study using real-life methodology and completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic and personal information. The ADCT algorithm, described by Pariser, was used to categorize patients as having controlled or uncontrolled atopic dermatitis. Data were collected for 1,606 patients. Median age of the patients was 40 years , and 1,023 (63.7%) patients were women. A total of 1,146 (71.4%) patients had uncontrolled atopic dermatitis according to the ADCT score. Patients with uncontrolled disease were at significantly higher risk of a high stress level and were more likely to be absent from work than those with controlled disease. In conclusion, a key factor for predicting disease burden in atopic dermatitis is patient self-assessed disease control in terms of multiple dimensions: stress, sleep, quality of life, work absenteeism and loss of productivity.

Epidemiologic features and burden of atopic dermatitis in adolescent and adult patients: A cross-sectional multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is considered as one of the most frequent chronic skin conditions. Previous AD epidemiologic studies have been mainly retrospective and/or have been performed through surveys instead of in-person visits. Epidemiological studies concerning AD in Latin American countries are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To describe sociodemographic and clinical features and the economic burden of AD on children and adult patients in Colombia through in-person visits.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 212 patients that included sociodemographic and clinimetric data. The diagnostic criteria of Hanifin and Rajka was used and data relating to disease distribution, disease severity (through the BSA: Body surface area; EASI: Eczema Area and Severity Index; SCORAD: Scoring Atopic Dermatitis), Fitzpatrick's skin phototypes, personal and familiar history of allergic diseases, previous treatments, and personal history of comorbidities, was collected.

RESULTS

Patient age range was 12-76, and 52.8% were female. Disease distribution was mainly flexural (19.6%). Early age start, Denni-Morgan fold, and infections tendency were more frequent in adolescents compared to adults. Mean age of diagnosis was 12 years old, AD diagnosis was made mostly by a dermatologist, 48.1% (102 patients) reported alcohol consumption, and 59% of consumers were heavy drinkers. Comorbidities found were: chronic rhinitis (68.9%) food allergy (32.5%), allergic conjunctivitis (29.7%), and asthma (28.8%). Around 81% earned less than $896 US dollars and 59% invested 6-30% of their monthly budget yearly, and 40% had work or school absenteeism. Mean scores of BSA, EASI, and SCORAD involvement were 32.6, 13.7, and 42.4, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds well-supported data through an in-depth clinical and economical characterization of Colombian adolescents and adult patients with atopic dermatitis and shows its high impact and burden on patients and their families. It also contributes to understand the burden of AD in Latin America.

Dermatology for the internist: optimal diagnosis and management of atopic dermatitis

Internists are front-line health care providers that commonly provide the first encounter to patients for dermatological conditions, especially atopic dermatitis (AD). Internists need to be comfortable with managing mild-moderate AD in their practices. Criteria and guidelines established in dermatology literature are available to help the general practitioner diagnose and treat AD. AD is a systemic disease associated with multiple cutaneous and extra-cutaneous comorbidities that warrant screening by internists, especially mental health conditions. Environmental factors may play a role in the development or worsening of AD; however, there is currently no strong evidence to guide specific population- or clinic-based interventions for their avoidance. While food allergies are common in AD patients, the role of food allergens as an exacerbating factor for AD is controversial. Before starting any dietary modifications, careful evaluation should be performed by an allergist. If the patient is not well-controlled despite adequate topical therapies or is experiencing severe/worsening disease, early referral to dermatology is warranted to rule out confounding diagnoses and/or escalation to systemic therapies. Finally, it is important to recognise the racial disparities present in AD and address these when formulating treatment plans.Key messages:Confounding dermatoses, either instead of or in addition to AD, should be considered in treatment-refractory AD, and the appropriate workup may be initiated while awaiting dermatology referral.AD patients have multiple cutaneous and extra-cutaneous comorbidities that warrant screening by internists, especially mental health conditions.

Update on Type-1 Allergy Diagnostics

Diagnostics in type-1 allergy rely on medical history and clinical examination. Extent and severity of signs and symptoms can be documented by standardized scores and questionnaires. Both skin prick test and intradermal test are useful for search of immunoglobulin E-mediated sensitizations but the availability of commercially available diagnostic extracts has been markedly reduced during the last years. Investigation of total and of specific serum IgE is the most important in vitro diagnostic analyte in type-1 allergy. Identification of the individual molecules to which patients are sensitized, known as molecular or component-resolved diagnostics (CRD), has recently markedly improved management of type-1 allergy to pollen, food and hymenoptera venoms. Main features of CRD are increased analytic sensitivity, detection of cross-reactivity and determination of individual sensitization profiles which allow for risk assessment and facilitate decisions for or against allergen immunotherapy. Basophil activation test as well as determination of selected biomarkers (e.g. tryptase) may also be helpful in some cases. If any allergy test is positive, one will have to distinguish reactions, which are clinically relevant, from those, which are not. In vivo provocation tests (e.g. nasal provocation, oral drug or food challenge) may help to clarify the relevance of a sensitization.

Atopic Dermatitis Treated Safely with Dupilumab during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Dupilumab is currently the only biologic treatment approved for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Though limited, available clinical data describing dupilumab use in pregnancy have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Systemic treatment in pregnant women with atopic dermatitis is currently restricted to corticosteroids, cyclosporine A, and azathioprine. Atopic dermatitis often has a deleterious course in pregnancy which can cause substantial distress and significantly impact on global health and quality of life. We report a case of severe atopic dermatitis treated safely with dupilumab during pregnancy with no adverse maternal or fetal outcomes observed. Our case highlights that dupilumab use in pregnancy has its place but should always be preceded by careful assessment of the risks and benefits. Clinicians are encouraged to enroll their patients in relevant pregnancy registry studies to monitor outcomes in women exposed to dupilumab during pregnancy and lactation.

Vermittlung des biopsychosozialen Modells in der universitären Lehre: Konzeption und Durchführung eines Seminars mit Betroffenen und Experten aus Dermatologie und Psychosomatik

Ziel der Studie Zahlreiche Studien zeigen, dass chronisch entzündliche Hauterkrankungen mit starken Einbußen in nahezu allen Dimensionen der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität einhergehen. Ziel war es daher, in der universitären dermatologischen Lehre ein extracurriculares Seminar anzubieten, um Medizinstudierenden bereits während ihrer Ausbildung praxisnah das erweiterte biopsychosoziale Modell zu vermitteln und sie frühzeitig für das psychosomatische Grundverständnis zu sensibilisieren.

Methodik Den Studierenden der Dermatologie (i. a. 7. Semester) wurde seit dem Wintersemester 2018/2019 ein zusätzliches Format auf freiwilliger Basis als einmaliges Seminar angeboten, durchgeführt und evaluiert. Insgesamt nahmen 25 Studierende teil, und 22 Fragebögen wurden anschließend deskriptiv und inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass großes Interesse und Offenheit für das psychosomatische Grundverständnis seitens der Studierenden besteht. Dabei wurde deutlich, dass die konkrete Option auf ein gemeinsames Zusammentreffen von interessierten Studierenden, Betroffenen und Fachärzten aus Dermatologie und Psychosomatik eine besondere Rolle einnimmt. Studierende nehmen die übliche Fokussierung auf das rein Biologische als unipolar und unvollständig in ihrer derzeitigen universitären Ausbildung wahr.

Schlussfolgerung Fächerübergreifende Seminare unter Anwesenheit von Betroffenen und im gemeinsamen fächerübergreifenden Diskurs tragen zur frühzeitigen Sensibilisierung auf das gleichzeitige Vorliegen von psychologischen und physiologischen Prozessen innerhalb ein und desselben Ereignisvorgangs bei. Die holistische Betrachtung scheint einen günstigen Einfluss für die eigene innere Haltung eines zukünftigen Arztes oder einer zukünftigen Ärztin zu haben.

Atopic dermatitis and psychosocial comorbidities - What's new?

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease. During the last years, researchers have focused on a variety of associated comorbidities, especially psychosocial disease. This article aims at giving an overview over recent data. A systematic literature research was performed in PubMed including data from the time period January 1, 2018 until March 1, 2020. Patients with AD frequently suffer from cocomitant depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There is less evidence about the relation between AD and schizophrenia, eating disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. There is still great need for research in the connection between AD and psychosocial disease, particularly about the pathogenesis and the influence of new therapies.