Suicide risk and psychiatric comorbidity in patients with psoriasis

OBJECTIVES To examine the occurrence of stressful life events, psychological comorbidity and suicide risk in patients with psoriasis or other dermatological conditions. METHODS Consecutive adult outpatients with psoriasis or other dermatological conditions completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Hamilton scales for depression and anxiety. RESULTS The study included 157 patients (91 with psoriasis; 66 with other conditions [melanoma; allergy]). Patients with psoriasis were significantly more likely to have experienced major life events in the 12 months before diagnosis, have had a psychiatric diagnosis and to have experienced past suicidal ideation than patients with other dermatological conditions. CONCLUSIONS Patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of psychiatric comorbidities, suicidal ideation, and long-term course of the disease compared with patients who have other dermatological conditions. Psychiatric assessment is highly recommended in patients with psoriasis.