Association between atopic dermatitis, depression and suicidal ideation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Publication date: Available online 23 October 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Kevin R. Patel, Supriya Immaneni, Vivek Singam, Supriya Rastogi, Jonathan I. Silverberg

Abstract

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with psychological distress. However, previous studies found conflicting results about whether AD is associated with increased depression or suicidality.

Objectives

To determine the complex relationship between AD and depression.

Methods

A systematic review was performed of all published observational studies in MEDLINE, Pubmed, EMBASE, GREAT, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Scopus and PsychInfo that analyzed depression in AD. Two reviewers performed study title/abstract review and data abstraction. Pooled meta-analysis was performed using random-effects weighting.

Results

Overall, 106 studies met inclusion criteria; 36 had sufficient data for meta-analysis. The prevalence of any depression was higher in persons with vs. without AD (20.1% vs. 14.8%). Similar results were found in sensitivity analyses of studies assessing clinical depression, depressive symptoms, and adults, with healthy controls, low and high study quality. AD was associated with significantly higher depression scales, parental depression, anti-depressant use, and suicidality. No publication bias was detected

Limitations

Individual level data were not available.

Conclusions

AD patients have higher odds of depression and suicidality.