Meta-analysis: hidradenitis suppurativa a risk factor for depression and anxiety

Takeaway

• Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have higher odds of depression, anxiety, and suicidality, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Why this matters

• Studies examining the relationship between HS and depression/anxiety have shown conflicting results.

Key results

• Patients with HS had increased prevalence and odds of:
  • Depression: 26.5% vs 6.6% (OR, 2.54; P<.001).
  • Anxiety: 18.1% vs 7.1% (OR, 2.00; P<.001).
• The link to depression was significant (ORs; 95% CIs) in studies that:
  • Used self-report or physician diagnosis: 1.82 (1.51-2.19).
  • Used medical record review: 2.69 (2.23-3.24).
  • Were cross-sectional: 2.05 (1.79-2.36).
  • Included healthy control individuals: 2.62 (2.19-3.13).
• The link to anxiety was significant in studies that:
  • Used self-report or physician diagnosis: 1.67 (1.37-2.05).
  • Used medical record review: 2.13 (1.70-2.66).
  • Included healthy control individuals: 2.03 (1.59-2.60).
  • Used other dermatologic disorders as control individuals: 2.05 (1.88-2.22).
• HS was associated with higher use of antidepressants (OR, 1.85; 1.26-2.71) and suicide prevalence (data not shown).

Study design

• 27 studies identified by systematic review were included in the meta-analysis.
• Funding: None disclosed.

Limitations

• Individual patient data not available.