Depressive Disorder and Dermatological Autoimmune Diseases
May 2024
in “
Journal of Clinical Medicine
”
TLDR Depression and skin autoimmune diseases are linked, needing combined care for better treatment.
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.