How Are Sicca Signs and Symptoms Associated With Depression Among Men Classified With and Without Sjögren Disease?

PURPOSE: Sjögren disease (SjD) cohorts represent rich resources to study associations between dry eye/mouth (sicca) signs/symptoms and depression. Because SjD affects mainly women, little is known about men with sicca signs/symptoms and associations with depression. The Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance contained many men allowing for studying associations between sicca signs/symptoms and depression. We hypothesized that sicca symptoms would be positively associated with depression in males.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

At baseline, participants completed questionnaires and underwent ocular and oral examinations. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Logistic regression models were used to identify associations between depression and SjD diagnostic criteria and sicca symptoms.

RESULTS

Of 309 males, 98 were classified as SjD, whereas 198 were classified as non-SjD. We found that having a labial salivary gland biopsy with focus score ≥1 foci/mm2 was associated with a lower odds of being classified as depressed (odds ratio [OR]: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.18-0.73, P = .01). Having positive anti-Sjögren syndrome antigen A antibody was associated with lower odds of being classified as depressed (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23-0.88, P = .02). Higher odds of depression were found with ocular burning (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.74-5.73, P < .001), light sensitivity (OR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.48-4.55, P = .001), and complaints of dry mouth (OR: 4.58, 95% CI: 1.54-13.63, P = .006).

CONCLUSION

Ophthalmologists should be specific when inquiring about ocular discomfort (focusing on burning and light sensitivity) and consider querying about depression and/or providing mental health resources to those who endorse such qualities.