Suicidal risks with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Psychiatry
• Mental Health Research
• Epidemiology of Chronic Illness

Background:

• Growing evidence links psoriasis to increased suicidal risk.
• Findings regarding atopic dermatitis and suicidal behavior are inconsistent.
• Understanding the mental health impact of these common dermatological conditions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and compare suicidal ideation and behavior rates in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis versus control groups.
• To conduct meta-analyses to quantify the risk associated with these dermatological conditions.
• To clarify the association between atopic dermatitis and suicidal risk.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies reporting suicidal ideation, attempts, or suicides.
• Inclusion of patients diagnosed with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis and comparison with healthy controls or those with other illnesses.
• Meta-analyses to compare suicidal rates between dermatological patients and controls, and among different dermatological diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Psoriasis patients showed 1.60-fold higher suicidal ideation rates than controls (OR=1.97, p=0.003).
• Atopic dermatitis patients had 1.84-fold higher suicidal ideation rates (OR=2.62, p=0.006).
• Significantly higher rates of suicidal acts were found in psoriasis patients (OR=1.42, p=0.02), with a similar trend for atopic dermatitis (OR=1.53, p=0.08).

Conclusions:

• Findings support an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior in individuals with psoriasis.
• The study extends this to an increased risk of suicidal ideation and a trend toward increased suicidal acts in patients with atopic dermatitis.
• Highlights the importance of mental health screening for patients with these skin conditions.