Mental Health Outcomes are Similar Between White Patients and Patients of Color With Psoriasis

Psychological distress symptoms, depression, overall mental health status, and perceived mental health status between White patients and patients with skin of color (SOC) are similar, according to a recent study published in the Dermatology Online Journal.

“This study aims to evaluate the differential impact of psoriasis on mental health in patients from different racial backgrounds,” explained the authors.

In a retrospective survey analysis, researchers used cross-sectional data from the 2004-2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to evaluate 7,519,662 patients. The data compared White patients to patients with SOC. Psychological distress was measured by Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale, depression was measured by Patient Health Questionnaire 2, overall mental health was measured by Mental Component Summary, and perceived mental health state was measured by Perceived Mental Health Status.

Between White patients and SOC patients, psychological distress (4.132 vs 3.710; P=.407), depression (0.886 vs 0.748; P=.385), overall mental health (49.959 vs 50.257; P=.789), and perceived mental health (2.159 vs 2.103; P=.603) were similar. No significant differences were found between the two patient populations.

“There were no significant differences in mental health outcome scores between White and SOC patients with psoriasis,” concluded the study authors. “Clinicians should screen for and manage mental health comorbidities in psoriasis patients of all racial backgrounds,” they added.

Reference
Kohn AH, Pourali SP, Gutierrez Y, et al. Mental health outcomes in White patients versus patients with skin of color with psoriasis. Dermatol Online J. 2021;27(5):10.5070/D327553606. doi:10.5070/D327553606