Examining the link between psoriasis and mental health using the U.S 2023 National Health Interview Survey

Summary: Abstract Body: Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that has been associated with a range of psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety. Although existing studies have established this association, the availability of national-level data remains limited and outdated. This study aims to utilize recent data from a nationally represented database to elucidate the psychological impact of PsO. This retrospective cohort analyzed the 2023 National Health Interview Survey, consisting of participants with self-reported PsO. Demographic differences among those with and without PsO were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank sum and chi-square tests. Adjusted logistic regression models with outcomes for life satisfaction, depression, anxiety, and use of medication/therapy for mental health reasons were performed. Weighted analysis showed 7,424,788 participants with self-reported PsO. Included participants were equally represented by men (51%) and women (49%) and predominantly identified as White (79%), followed by Hispanic (11%) and Black (3.9%). Compared to those without PsO, those with the condition had over twice the odds of reporting dissatisfaction with life (OR = 2.07 95% CI: 1.52–2.83, p<0.001) and anxiety (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.68–2.53, p<0.001). They were also significantly more likely to experience depression (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.52–2.14, p<0.001) and to use mental health therapy or medication (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.42–2.18, p<0.001). Consistent with previous studies, our national analysis shows that PsO imposes a significant mental health burden doubling the risk for anxiety and life dissatisfaction and increasing the likelihood for depression and mental health treatment use. Therefore, it is important to integrate care methods that address the physical and psychological effects of PsO. Omar Alani¹, Atef Fayed², Lara Shqair¹, Dev Patel¹, Dany Alkurdi¹, S. Minhaj Rahman³, Zachary Schwager⁴ 1. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States. 2. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States. 3. University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States. 4. Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, MA, United States. Clinical Research: Epidemiology and Observational Research