Psoriasis Patients and Depression, What's the Connection?

A recently published article in JAMA Dermatology explored the curious relationship between psoriasis and depression, since psoriasis has been considered a risk factor for depression, and depression a trigger for psoriasis.

Several reports have indicated the psychological impact of the chronic inflammatory skin condition psoriasis can be detrimental, often associated with decreased quality of life and increased all-cause mortality.

Roger S. Ho, MD, MS, MPH, New York University School of Medicine, NY, NY and colleagues conducted a population-based study involving a total of 12,382 patients in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009-2012.

The team adjusted for cardiovascular risk, as previous research suggested both psoriasis and depression could be correlated with cardiovascular disease.

Results from the health questionnaire identified 351 psoriasis patients and 968 individuals with depression. Researchers found 58 psoriasis patients could also be diagnosed with major depression.

The experts noted 23.6% of the patients with psoriasis said their symptoms of depression exacerbated daily functional impairment, compared to the 15.4% of patients without psoriasis.

Ho and team concluded, “Our study supports that all patients with psoriasis, regardless of severity, are at risk for depressive symptoms and may benefit from depression screening.”