Citation

Ellard R, Ahmed A, Shah R, Bewley A. Clin. Exp. Dermatol. 2014; 39(5): 624-627.

Affiliation

Department of General Medicine, Whipps Cross Hospital, London, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/ced.12351

PMID

24934916

Abstract

A 53-year-old man took his own life while receiving biological therapy with the tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor adalimumab for severe psoriasis. The patient had a psychiatric history and a 32-year history of variable unstable psoriasis. Reported suicide in patients with psoriasis receiving adalimumab is rare (only one other reported case). It is important, however, to recognize the effects of skin disease on the mental health of vulnerable patients receiving biological agents. Patients will benefit from a more holistic approach that includes both dermatological and psychological assessment and treatment.

Language: en