Mapping Anxiety and Depression Among Patients with Behçet Disease in Saudi Arabia a Cross Sectional Study

Abstract Background: Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers and ocular inflammation, with potential multisystem involvement. BD has been associated with psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety; however, evidence from Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among patients with BD in Saudi Arabia and to examine their association with demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and medication use. A cross-sectional study of 91 patients with BD was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (February–August 2024) using telephone interviews with the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to assess depression and anxiety Results: A substantial mental health burden was observed among patients with BD. According to the GAD-7, 30.8% of participants had minimal anxiety, 41.8% mild anxiety, 19.8% moderate anxiety, and 7.7% severe anxiety. PHQ-9 results showed that 27.5% had minimal depression, 36.3% mild depression, 19.8% moderate depression, 8.8% moderately severe depression, and 7.7% severe depression. Clinically significant anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10) was present in 27.5% of patients, while clinically significant depression (PHQ-9 ≥10) was observed in 36.3%. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among patients with BD in Saudi Arabia, with most patients experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of routine mental health assessment and integrated care to improve overall patient well-being.