GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Objective: To analyze generalized anxiety disorder and its relationship with atopic dermatitis. Literature Review: Anxiety refers to the brain's response to danger, a stimulus that an organism will actively try to avoid. It is not typically pathological because it is a way of adapting to various scenarios, in order to avoid a possible danger. Atopic eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory disease that has different phenotypes and degrees of involvement. Signs and symptoms present with xeroderma, erythema, pruritus, even evolving to skin infections and lichenification of the affected skin. It is a chronic pathology, which has a great impact on the quality of sleep, socialization, well-being and mental health of the affected patient. Final considerations: The intensity and relationship between generalized anxiety disorder and atopic dermatitis is highlighted, since GAD is an extremely prevalent psychiatric disorder in today's society.  It is characterized by symptoms of persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about basic daily activities, which results in a decrease in the individual's quality of life.