Methotrexate as effective as biologics in relieving depression and anxiety among psoriasis patients
An ORIGINAL ARTICLE published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology entitled "The effects of methotrexate and biologics on the symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with psoriasis" by Ugurer et al. mentioned that methotrexate is as effective as biologics in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The team said psoriasis patients are often accompanied by psychiatric comorbidities like anxiety/depression, stress, lack of self-esteem, embarrassment, social isolation, and negative effects on life quality. In this study, we compared the effects of methotrexate and biologics on psychiatric comorbidities and examined their relationship with systemic inflammation parameters.
The team enrolled 60 psoriasis patients treated with biologics or methotrexate. At the baseline and the 24th week of the treatment, the patients filled Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); inflammation was assessed with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels.
Researchers reported that reduced BAI and BDI scores in the 24th week were significant in both groups. In comparison, the decrease in BAI and BDI scores had significant differences. The reduction in DLQI scores of those receiving biologics was superior to those taking methotrexate.
Researchers found no significant correlation between the change in serum inflammation parameters and the decrease in the BDI/BAI scores.
They concluded that psoriasis patients experience reduced anxiety and depression symptoms with biologics and methotrexate.
We noted insignificant differences between the two groups.
They also said Biologics improve life quality better when compared to methotrexate. Systemic inflammation parameters do not reflect the changes in these symptoms in psoriasis patients.
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