This is one of two studies in JAMA Dermatology examining mental disorders in patients with psoriasis. The other study used data from population-based Danish registry and found that, compared with those without psoriasis, patients with psoriasis had a 72% increased risk of developing depression.
According to an editorial, the rates of depression in patients with psoriasis from Europe and Asia are similar to depression rates seen in the United States, where an estimated 17% of patients with psoriasis have depression, which is double the rate of depression in those without psoriasis. It notes that although the increased risk of mental disorders in patients with psoriasis is recognized, one clinically important question remains: Do therapies that treat psoriasis effectively also decrease signs and symptoms of mental disorders? It alludes to literature which consistently shows that patients whose psoriasis is successfully treated experience reduced bouts of depression, and successful treatment also leads to improved quality of life. It adds that because the onset of mental disorders can occur as early as 2 or 3 months following the diagnosis of psoriasis, it is important to treat psoriasis adequately and promptly.