Sandhu JK, et al. – In this systematic review and meta-analysis, authors sought to synthesize the available literature to assess the correlation between atopic dermatitis (AD) and suicidality. They found a significantly increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among patients with AD. They also noted the importance for dermatology providers to be aware of this risk, screen for suicidality, and make mental health referrals when necessary with respect to this patient population.

Methods

• Experts systematically searched Per PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases for relevant observational studies that evaluated suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicide among patients with AD (published from 1946 to May 25, 2018).
• They assessed the quality of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies.

Results

• A total of 15 studies including 4,770,767 participants (patients with AD, n=310,681 [52.7% female]; controls, n=4,460,086 [50.9% female]) were included in the analysis.
• They noted a 44% greater likelihood of the patients with AD to exhibit suicidal ideation (pooled odds ratio, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.25-1.65) and 36% greater likelihood to attempt suicide (pooled odds ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.09-1.70) vs patients without AD.
• Studies assessing completed suicides among patients with AD were inconsistent in their findings.