Children and Adolescents With Psoriasis and Chronic Skin Disorders at Risk for Suicidal Behavior

A review article published in Acta Dermato-Venereologica determined that there is a high risk of suicidal behavior in children and adolescents with chronic skin disorders.

Researchers aimed to review the prevalence of attempted or completed suicides and the risk factors that contribute to suicide in children and adolescents with chronic skin disease in a systematic review. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINHAL and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to October 2020. The databases were searched for suicide or suicide attempts in patients under 18 with chronic skin disorders. Matches were reviewed by 2 independent authors, and a total of 5 studies met the inclusion criteria.

The prevalence of suicidal ideation in patients with acne was 33.9% and 21% for suicide attempts. In patients with psoriasis, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was 0.45% and 0.08% for suicide attempts. Suicidal ideation was prevalent in 5.1% to 25.2% of patients with atopic dermatitis and 2.9% to 7.5% of patients attempted suicide. A total of 67% of patients with body dysmorphic disorder had suicidal intention and 21% attempted suicide.

“Suicidal risk in skin disorders amongst adolescents and children under the age of 18 years old is broad and complex,” concluded the study authors. “The suicidal risk remained after adjusting for depression, suggestive of an alternative mechanism,” they added.

Reference
Barlow R, Payyazhi G, Hogan S, et al. Suicide and suicidality in children and adolescents with chronic skin disorders: a systematic review. Acta Derm Venereol. Published online January 11, 2023. doi:10.2340/actadv.v102.1502