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Updated: May 16, 2026

Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Prevalence and management of panic attacks during infliximab infusion in psoriatic patients
R Saraceno1, S Faleri, M Ruzzetti
1Department of Dermatology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. rositasaraceno@yahoo.it
Background:
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease associated with anxiety and depression. Infliximab (IFX) is a human/mouse chimeric anti-TNF-α antibody effective in the treatment of psoriasis.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of panic disorders in psoriatic patients during IFX infusions.
Methods:
A retrospective study was performed on patients affected with psoriasis who were treated with IFX from 2002 to 2011 at a single center. Panic disorders were defined using the clinical criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. A population of dermatological patients under treatment with IVG, rituximab, apheresis, intravenous corticosteroids and antibiotics was considered as the control group.
Results:
A total of 141 patients were evaluated. Of these, 6 (4.25%) experienced panic attacks during the infusion; 16 (11.3%) had a medical history of panic attack and of those 5/16 (31%) experienced panic attacks during IFX infusion. In the control group panic attacks were not recorded.
Conclusion:
We describe 6 cases of patients in whom panic attacks were triggered by IFX infusion. Premedication with oral benzodiazepine and a slow rate of infusion is recommended.
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