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Two questions may be enough - screening for depression in patients with psoriasis: a multicenter study
Sascha Gerdes1, Dagmar Wilsmann-Theis2, Daniel Celis3
1Psoriasis-Center, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
Summary
Depression affects nearly a quarter of psoriasis patients, even with mild disease. Screening tools like the Whooley questions can help identify these patients for better management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Depression is often overlooked in psoriasis patients.
- This study addresses the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of depression in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen psoriasis patients for depression.
- To analyze how patient and disease characteristics influence depression scores.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, multicenter cohort study involving 538 adult psoriasis patients.
- Depression screening using the Whooley questions and the revised Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II).
Main Results:
- 24.2% of patients scored ≥13 on the BDI-II, indicating mild to severe depression.
- Higher disease activity (PASI) and quality of life impairment (DLQI) were associated with higher depression scores.
- Psoriatic arthritis and diabetes were more common in patients with depression.
Conclusions:
- Nearly one in four psoriasis patients in specialized clinics exhibit depressive symptoms (BDI-II score ≥13).
- The Whooley questions show promise as a practical screening tool for depression in psoriasis patients.