Patients with psoriasis are up to 2.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to patients without psoriasis. Using reports from 150 million dermatology visits logged into the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey, researchers found 4.7 million visits for psoriasis. They then compared this figure to the number of patients diagnosed with depression.
They found that the risk of depression was 4.5 times more likely in younger patients (age 40 and under) with psoriasis. The risk was also elevated, but less so, in those over age 40 (1.8 times more likely). They attributed this difference to the significant effects of psoriasis on socializing, finding a partner and establishing a career in younger persons suffering from this disease. The degree of depression has also been correlated with the degree of itch in some patients.
Source: Jesitus J. Depression and Psoriasis. Dermatology Times. 2008;29:25-27.
