Dermatology Online Journal

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between psoriasis and mental health in patients from different racial backgrounds. Methods: We performed a nationwide, cross-sectional study evaluating 7,519,662 (weighted) patients, comparing White patients versus patients with skin of color (SOC), using the 2004-2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Results: Psychological distress (measured by Kessler 6-Item Psychological Distress Scale) was similar between White and SOC patients (4.132 [95% CI,3.679-4.586] and 3.710 [95% CI,2.932-4.488], P=0.407). Depression (measured by Patient Health Questionnaire 2) was similar between White and SOC patients (0.886 [95% CI,0.744-1.027] and 0.748 [95% CI,0.506-0.989], P=0.385). Overall mental health (measured by Mental Component Summary) was similar between White and SOC patients (49.959 [95% CI,48.979-50.939] and 50.257 [95% CI,48.449-52.065], P=0.789). Perceived mental health state (measured by Perceived Mental Health Status) was similar between White and SOC patients (2.159 [95% CI,2.065-2.253] and 2.103 [95% CI,1.911-2.294], P=0.603). Conclusion: There were no significant differences in mental health outcome scores between White and SOC patients with psoriasis. Clinicians should screen for and manage mental health comorbidities in psoriasis patients of all racial backgrounds.