Use of Occupational Therapy for Reducing Depression and its Impact on Self-Esteem in Vitiligo Patients – A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: Vitiligo is a Psycho-dermatological disorder, it is referred as “Sweta Kushta” which is called white leprosy. Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder caused due to functional loss of melanocytes in the epidermis this results in discolored patches in different areas of the body Vitiligo does not have any physical impairment but it is cosmetically disfiguring which leads to psychological problems like Depression, Low Self-Esteem, Anxiety, Frustration, Embarrassment, Social isolation, Poor body image. Occupational Therapist deals with Depression patients to overcome Depressive feelings by providing positive situations and worthful pleasure, meaningful and pleasurable activities that help the client to tackle depression and improve Self-Esteem.

Objectives: The Objectives of the study are to determine the use of Occupational Therapy intervention in reducing Depression in a Vitiligo patient and to analyze its impact on Self-Esteem.

Methods: This single case study was conducted in the Outpatient unit, Department of Occupational Therapy, Sri Ramachandra Hospital with the permission of the Ethical Committee. The Vitiligo patient who visited the Department of Dermatology, venereology, and leprosy (Outpatient) was screened. The sample who met the selection criteria was selected through purposive sampling and obtained the consent to participate in the study. The pre-test was done by using the outcome measure. Following Occupational Therapy intervention for 4 weeks Occupational Therapy, the post-test was done by using the outcome measure. The result was obtained by comparing the pre-test and post-test scores.

Results: The result of this study revealed that Occupational Therapy Intervention showed a significant reduction in Depression, and showed a significant positive impact on Self-Esteem in Vitiligo patient.

Conclusions: This study concludes that Occupational Therapy Intervention is effective for Reducing      Depression and shows a positive impact on Self-Esteem in Vitiligo patient.