Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

02:28
Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Sex differences in the association between depressive symptoms and psoriasis
Xiujuan Wen1,2, Qirui Deng1,2, Yue Cao2,3
1Department of Dermatology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde Foshan), Foshan City, Guangdong, China.
Medicine
|July 31, 2026
Summary
This study found a direct link between higher depression scores and increased psoriasis likelihood. The association between depression and psoriasis risk differs between genders.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory and autoimmune skin disease.
- An established link exists between autoimmune conditions and mental health, notably depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between depression and psoriasis.
- To explore potential gender-specific interactions in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2009-2014).
- Depression assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).
- Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline curves analyzed the correlation, with subgroup analyses for gender.
Main Results:
- A significant positive linear correlation was observed between PHQ-9 depression scores and psoriasis.
- Psoriasis prevalence was higher in males than females among depressed individuals.
- A turning point in the correlation was noted at a PHQ-9 score of 2.
Conclusions:
- Increased depression severity is associated with a higher likelihood of having psoriasis.
- The relationship between depression and psoriasis is influenced by gender.
- Further research into the interplay of psoriasis, depression, and gender is warranted.
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