A Study to Assess Depression and Coping Strategies among Dermatological Patients in a Selected Hospital in Mangalore

Depression can affect anyone and it is one of the most widespread illnesses, often co-existing with other serious illnesses. Also depressive disorders often start at in young age; they reduce people's functioning and often are recurring. The present study reviewed the potential effect of selected dermatological conditions beyond its dermatological manifestations and assessed the depression and coping strategies among dermatological patients. A descriptive research design was used for the present study. The sample consisted of 80 dermatological patients who have visited the dermatology OPD of Fr. Muller's Hospital in the month of data collection. Data was collected by administering Modified Beck depression inventory scale and Modified COPE rating scale. Data was analyzed by both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of present study highlights that majority (42.5%) of patients had no depressive symptoms. While 35% had mild mood disturbances, 5% had borderline clinical depression, 13.75% had moderate depression and 3.75% had severe depression. It was found that adequate and appropriate use of functional coping strategies would help the patients to avoid their depressive symptoms properly.