PSORIASIS AND DEPRESSION: APPROACH BIDIRECTIONALITY

Introduction / Objective: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. About 2 % of the world population is affected. Evidence suggests that cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, cancer and depression are found in increased frequency in patients with psoriasis. With respect to depression it is not clear whether psoriasis triggers depression or depression may have a role in the development of psoriasis. Therefore, the present study aims to assess whether there is a bidirectional relationship between the two diseases. Methodology: It´s a Systematic Literature Review using data bases PubMed, Lilacs and Scielo that were surveyed with following descriptors " Psoriasis " , " depression " , " Psycho - dermatology " and " comorbidity ". Fifthteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The quality of articles that were selected, was evaluated via Check list do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Check list de Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Results / conclusion: Thirteen studies conclude that psoriasis can lead to depression. However, while a study suggested a bidirectional relationship between psoriasis and depression; another article with similar methodology found conflicting results. Psoriasis can trigger depressive disorders, however due to lack of studies, It is not possible to confirm that depression leads to psoriasis. In addition, the studies used in this review are transverse and longitudinal studies are needed to assess more accurately the relationship between psoriasis and depression.