Rates of Suicidal Ideation Are Elevated in Psoriasis Patients

Patients with psoriasis are at an increased risk of suicidal ideation, according to the results of a recent study.

Previous research has linked suicidal risk with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In order to examine this relationship further, researchers conducted a review of reports of suicidal ideation, attempts, and suicides among patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.

Overall, the mean rates of suicidal ideation were 1.60-fold higher in patients were psoriasis and 1.84-fold higher in patients with atopic dermatitis than in controls. Rates of suicidal acts were 2.51-fold higher in patients with psoriasis and 2.81-fold higher in patients with atopic dermatitis compared with controls.

“The study findings support emerging evidence of increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior with psoriasis and extend it to increased risk of suicidal ideation and a trend toward increased suicidal acts with atopic dermatitis.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Pompili M, Bonanni L, Gualtieri F, Trovini G, Persechino S, Baldessarini RJ. Suicidal risks with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychosom Res. 2021;141:110347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110347