Psychiatric manifestations of systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare conjonctive tissue disorder that is characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs as well as vascular obliteration phenomenons. SSc is responsible for increased morbidity and mortality, and skin fibrosis may be responsible for major body changes. These phenomenons may contribute to the occurrence of psychological disturbances such as anxiety and depression, whereas the incidence of psychotic symptoms is very low in SSc patients. However, the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms during the course of SSc has not been evaluated yet with standardized evaluation scales, and an important breakthrough can be made in understanding the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric manifestations, in order to improve therapeutic management and quality of life.