LAS VEGAS – When treating patients with psoriasis, “it is very important for us to treat the entire patient,” and consider the comorbidities, including depression, associated with psoriasis, Jeffrey M. Sobell, MD, said in a video interview at Skin Disease Education Foundation’s annual Las Vegas Dermatology Seminar.
Depression can be a particular concern for younger patients with more severe psoriasis, said Dr. Sobell of Tufts University, Boston.
When he sees patients aged 18-35 years with significant psoriasis in his practice, he has made it a habit to ask them about depression “and if they’ve ever had thoughts of hurting themselves,” and arranges for mental health follow-up visits for patients about whom he is concerned. “It’s something that’s hard to talk about, but so important,” he said.
Dr. Sobell disclosed relationships with multiple companies including AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Regeneron, Sanofi, and Sun Pharma.
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