Elevated Burden of Mental Illness Comorbidity in Patients with Psoriasis

According to a study published in General Hospital Psychiatry, an inflammatory model could explain the elevated burden of psychiatric comorbidity in patients with psoriasis.

Utilizing a MEDLINE database search in December 2020, researchers narrowed down eligible studies, particularly systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials, and reviewed them.

The results showed that patients with psoriasis are 1.5 times more likely to present with depressive symptoms. Patients with psoriasis also have a higher prevalence of anxiety compared with individuals without psoriasis. Additionally, schizophrenia and suicidal ideation are more prevalent among patients with psoriasis than among the general population. Finally, pro-inflammatory markers, which play a role in psoriasis pathophysiology, are elevated in patients with depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

“We recommend that clinicians conduct universal screening of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among their psoriasis patients and remain vigilant for any symptoms of severe psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia,” the authors stated. “Collaboration between dermatologists, psychiatrists, and primary care physicians is essential in supporting psychological well-being and clinical outcomes for psoriasis patients,” they concluded.

Reference
Hedemann TL, Liu X, Kang CN, Husain MI. Associations between psoriasis and mental illness: an update for clinicians. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2022;75:30-37. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2022.01.006