Depressive Disorder and Dermatological Autoimmune Diseases

May 2024 in “ Journal of Clinical Medicine ”

Zuzanna Peła, Maria Gałecka, Agnieszka Murgrabia, Aneta Kondratowicz, Piotr Gałecki

alopecia areata psoriasis atopic dermatitis pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α interleukins

Studysummary This study found a reciprocal correlation between depressive disorders and several dermatological autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis and lupus, suggesting that inflammation may be a shared pathomechanism for these conditions.

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The review examines the significant correlation between depressive disorders and dermatological autoimmune diseases, suggesting a shared pathomechanism through inflammatory pathways. A cohort study from Taiwan with over 200,000 patients found a significant risk of autoimmune comorbidities in those with major depressive disorder. Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata show a bidirectional relationship with depression, partly due to elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and interleukins. The review emphasizes the need for integrated care approaches to address both mental and dermatological health, highlighting the importance of understanding these shared mechanisms to improve treatment and management of these comorbid conditions.

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Research cited in this study

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research Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Children and Adults With Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

4 citations , November 2022 in “Frontiers in Medicine”

This study found that people with alopecia areata have a higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression, and a moderate negative impact on their quality of life compared to healthy individuals.

research Health-Related Quality of Life, Depression, and Self-Esteem in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia

15 citations , July 2021 in “JAMA Dermatology”

This study found that androgenetic alopecia is significantly associated with moderate impairment of health-related quality of life and emotions, but not with depressive symptoms.

Alopecia Areata Is Characterized by Dysregulation in Systemic Type 17 and Type 2 Cytokines, Which May Contribute to Disease-Associated Psychological Morbidity

research Alopecia Areata Is Characterized by Dysregulation in Systemic Type 17 and Type 2 Cytokines, Which May Contribute to Disease-Associated Psychological Morbidity

57 citations , April 2019 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This background review discusses alopecia areata, highlighting the role of CD8+NKG2D+ T cells in hair follicle pathogenesis, and notes that the exact mechanisms causing hair loss remain unclear.

research Assessment of a Bidirectional Association Between Major Depressive Disorder and Alopecia Areata

37 citations , January 2019 in “JAMA Dermatology”

This study found a bidirectional relationship between major depressive disorder and alopecia areata, with each condition significantly increasing the risk of subsequently developing the other.

research Alopecia Areata: A Review of Disease Pathogenesis

191 citations , May 2018 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This study reviewed recent theories on alopecia areata's pathogenesis, highlighting its autoimmune nature due to immune privilege disruption in hair follicles, and noted current treatments have limited efficacy with high relapse rates, underscoring the need for further research into its mechanisms for better therapies.

research Antidepressants Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects Relevant to Dermatology: A Systematic Review

26 citations , January 2017 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

This review examines the use of monoaminergic antidepressants for inflammatory skin disorders and reports they may reduce dermatological symptoms, suggesting a potential role beyond treating psychiatric conditions.