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Review
. 2018 Apr:87:17-26.
doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.01.009. Epub 2018 Jan 31.

The vicious cycle of itch and anxiety

Kristen M Sanders  1 , Tasuku Akiyama  2
Affiliations
Review

The vicious cycle of itch and anxiety

Kristen M Sanders et al. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018 Apr.

Abstract

Chronic itch is associated with increased stress, anxiety, and other mood disorders. In turn, stress and anxiety exacerbate itch, leading to a vicious cycle that affects patient behavior (scratching) and worsens disease prognosis and quality of life. This cycle persists across chronic itch conditions of different etiologies and even to some extent in healthy individuals, suggesting that the final common pathway for itch processing (the central nervous system) plays a major role in the relationship between itch and anxiety. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments that reduce anxiety have shown promising anti-itch effects. Further research is needed to establish specific central mechanisms of the itch-anxiety cycle and provide new targets for treatment.

Keywords: Amygdala; Anxiety; Atopic dermatitis; Itch; Pruritus; Psoriasis; Stress.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Itch and anxiety form a vicious cycle, which leads to increased itch perception and scratching behavior. Stress (including the stress of chronic itch) may lead to sensitization of neuronal pathways that exacerbates anxiety. Additionally, cognition can exert either positive or negative feedback within the cycle.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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