Bitan DT, et al. - In a nationwide population-based study in Israel, researchers explored the connection between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS; a chronic, debilitating, dermatological disease causing substantial psychosocial impediments with increased risk of suicide) and schizophrenia, a major psychiatric disease. Data mining was conducted on the database of Clalit Health Services (CHS), the largest managed healthcare company in Israel. Through multivariate binary logistic regression, adjusting for demographic factors and smoking status, the link between HS and schizophrenia was evaluated. The analysis showed a tenfold rise in schizophrenia incidence in patients with HS relative to controls. Findings suggested an association of schizophrenia with HS. During the evaluation of HS patients, screening for severe mental illness is of great importance because comorbid psychiatric disorders can influence the results of treatment.