Suicide Risk Management Crucial in Dermatological Care
Researchers conducted a clinical review detailing the intersection of dermatology and suicide, explaining why skin conditions lead to increased risk of poor mental health.
Suicide risk management is an essential factor in treating patients with dermatological conditions, according to a study published in JAAD Reviews.1 This focus on mental health is crucial because of the way stigmatizing skin conditions create psychological challenges for patients.
“Suicide remains a significant global health concern, ranking as the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 years in 2021,” wrote authors of the study. “For every suicide death, there are many more attempts, making suicide prevention a critical global priority. While psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, are well-documented suicide risk factors, contribution of dermatological conditions and their treatments are relatively underexplored.”
While previous studies have found no clear correlation between skin disorders and suicide risk,2 more recent research claims the opposite, with skin conditions increasingly presenting evidence of higher suicide risk. Amid contradicting evidence, authors of a 2025 study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology stated that both hidradenitis suppurativa and melanoma lead to increased suicide risk. However, for other skin conditions, including psoriasis and dermatitis, researchers found no significant correlation.3
Researchers conducted a clinical review detailing the intersection of dermatology and suicide. | image credit: Hobbies and Leisure / stock.adobe.com
Researchers of the current study wanted to further understand the link between skin disorders and suicidal ideation to ensure health care providers are knowledgeable in alleviating patients’ poor mental and skin health simultaneously.
READ MORE: Icotrokinra Shows High Rates of Skin Clearance in Scalp, Genital Psoriasis
“This review explores the intersection of dermatology and suicide, highlighting the psychosocial mechanisms that may contribute to this relationship,” they continued.1 “By addressing the mental health needs of dermatology patients, physicians can take an integrative approach to care, ensuring both physical and psychological well-being are managed comprehensively.”
Throughout the review, researchers covered several factors relating mental health and skin disorders. They explored the epidemiology of mental health disorders in dermatology patients, suicidal risk factors, as well as the clinical assessment and management of suicide risk in patients with dermatologic diseases.
In one meta-analysis, among patients with acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, researchers discovered the prevalence of depression was 27.2%, while the prevalence of anxiety was 28.8%. In a separate systematic review, they found these same dermatologic conditions led to suicidal ideation in 0.45%-67% of participants.
After exploring the sheer prevalence of patients with both a skin disorder and depression or anxiety, researchers then investigated the link between dermatological conditions and suicide vulnerability by age.
“In younger patients, particularly adolescents and young adults, visible skin diseases are a significant risk factor for suicide. During this life stage, individuals are highly susceptible to social rejection and peer bullying, which can harm self-esteem and increase the likelihood of depression, thus heightening their risk of suicidal ideation,” wrote the authors.1 “In contrast, adults with chronic dermatologic conditions face different but equally impactful suicide risk factors. For these patients, the chronicity and visibility-related stigma of their conditions contribute to sustained physical discomfort and social isolation, particularly in professional and social environments.”
While the prominence and severity in suicide risk will most likely differ between every patient no matter what dermatologic condition they possess, the current review provides significant evidence linking skin disorders to increased risk of suicide. Now, with this link further deliberated upon, researchers then provided action steps for how to maintain this potentially fatal connection between skin conditions and suicide.
“When a patient screens positive for depression, expresses suicidal ideation, or exhibits concerning behaviors, referral to a mental health professional is essential,” continued the authors.1 “It is helpful for dermatologists to establish a network of mental health providers for referrals, ensuring that patients can access appropriate support. Collaborative care—where dermatologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists work together—has improved outcomes for patients with both mental health and dermatologic needs.”
Despite the correlation between suicide and dermatological diseases potentially raising alarms within the health care sector, there is a well-established framework of providers that can work together and facilitate this detrimental link. As more research is conducted, authors of the study suggest dermatologists are best-positioned to help manage the mental health of patients living with skin diseases.
“Suicide risk management is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of dermatologic care. Patients with dermatologic conditions—particularly those with chronic, visible, or stigmatizing diseases—face unique psychological challenges that may increase their risk of depression and suicidal ideation. Dermatologists are uniquely positioned to identify these risks early, using mental health screenings and observing behavioral cues during patient interactions,” concluded authors of the study.1
READ MORE: Dermatology Resource Center
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