Depression is the number one comorbidity of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects the well-being and quality of life of patients. The disease is associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidality, which may not be fully understood by the general population. It is crucial to understand the effect this disease has on mental health and determine risk factors that may help identify patients who are susceptible to depression and suicidality. Risk factors discussed in this article include age, gender, and severity of disease in psoriasis patients. Of these, age and severity of disease are significant with a clear association of increased depression and suicidality found in patients who are younger or have more severe disease. Although there is evidence that psoriasis treatments can improve both disease and associated depression symptoms, there are high rates of undertreatment. By identifying high-risk psoriasis patients, dermatologists can aim for optimal treatment of the disease and thus help alleviate the associated psychiatric burden.

I need to confess how I feel. I openly admit I battle mild depression almost everyday. I often wonder what my life would be like without having this insidious disease.

I’ve struggled with psoriasis for 32 years. It’s been a difficult journey and I’m doing the best I can. I had such high hopes and expectations for life before I was diagnosed. It was a pivotal moment when my body became covered with psoriasis. Suddenly I was fighting to get healthy.

The best advice I can give others is never give up on yourself. Your worth all the time it takes to gain control. I’ve been very fortunate over the years. I developed life hacks that has made life with psoriasis less consuming. I’ve been clear now for about 20 years. My doctors help me maintain control with designer medications. Science has made it all possible.

If you’re feeling depressed please see a professional. I’ll have you know the same molecules that cause those annoying spots on your skin and joint pain, also causes depression. So by treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis you’re also helping depression. The help is there if you need it. Find a doctor that is willing to work with you and other doctors to get the results you deserve.

We got this!

#psoriasis

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