Skin conditions such as rashes or itching among those with their first psychotic episode may serve as early warning signs for worse outcomes. The corresponding study was presented at a recent meeting by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Previous research shows that 30%- 60% of people with skin conditions have psychiatric symptoms. In the current study, researchers investigated whether people with mental health issues have skin conditions, and if so, what this may say about health outcomes.
For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 481 individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis. Of the participants, 14.5% (24% of females and 9.8% of males) showed signs of skin issues including rashes, itching, or sensitivity to light. All participants underwent four weeks of antipsychotic treatment followed by assessment of different indicators of mental health.
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At a four-week follow-up, patients with a first episode of psychosis and skin conditions experienced higher levels of both depression and risk of suicide, as well as poorer wellbeing. Whereas 7% of patients without skin conditions had suicidal thoughts of attempts, the same was true for 25% of patients with skin conditions.
“Our findings suggest that dermatological symptoms may represent a marker of illness severity and poor short-term outcomes in the early stages of psychosis, potentially identifying a subgroup of patients with a poorer clinical prognosis who may benefit from early tailored interventions,” said lead researcher of the study, Dr. Joaquín Galvañ of the Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, in a press release.
He noted that the reasons behind the link remain unclear, but that their working hypothesis is that the link may stem from the skin and neurological systems’ shared developmental origins and inflammatory pathways.
“As far as we know this is the first study to show this link in patients with psychosis, so we need follow-up studies to confirm the finding. We also need to understand if this link applies also to a range of other psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety or depression,” he added.
Sources: Science Daily