Psoriasis and Depression: Uncovering a Common Inflammatory Pathway

Abstract

Psoriasis and depression are very prevalent diseases that often coexist. In fact, the prevalence of depression in patients with psoriasis is higher than that observed in the general population and increases with disease severity. At the same time, it is now known that inflammation plays a central role in both diseases, with high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines corroborating these assumptions. Assuming that dysregulation of the immune system may be a possible precipitating event for both conditions, therapeutic strategies have been highlighted for various inflammatory pathways, with promising effects on both diseases, including anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-17A therapies, which further corroborate the association between them.

Thus, with this perspective article, the authors intent to review not only the pathophysiological mechanisms behind these entities, focusing on the role of inflammation, but to understand the immune-mediated interaction that appears to be shared by them. The aim, therefore, is not only to provide greater clarification regarding existing knowledge, but also to highlight gaps that still exist, aspiring the development of large-scale studies that can fill them. Furthermore, we propose to expose the pathophysiological similarities of both diseases, aiming to transfer transversal knowledge between both, with an impact on the approach, therapy and prognosis.