Ustekinumab significantly improves symptoms of anxiety, depression, and skin-related quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial

Background

Anxiety, depression, and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are common in patients with psoriasis.

Objective

We sought to analyze the effect of ustekinumab on these conditions in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Methods

Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (n = 1230) were randomized 1:1:1 to receive 45 mg of ustekinumab, 90 mg of ustekinumab, or placebo. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to measure anxiety and depression, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index to measure HRQoL.

Results

At baseline, 40.3% and 26.7% of patients reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively, and 54.6% reported Dermatology Life Quality Index scores greater than 10, indicating a very high impact of disease on HRQoL. Greater improvements at week 12 in mean Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (13.9%), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression (29.3%), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (76.2%) scores were reported in ustekinumab groups compared with placebo (P < .001 each).

Limitations

Results for these measures are reported only through 24 weeks.

Conclusion

Patients receiving ustekinumab reported significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and HRQoL.

Key words: anxiety, depression, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, psoriasis, quality of life, ustekinumab

Abbreviations used: AE, adverse event, DLQI, Dermatology Life Quality Index, HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS-A, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety, HADS-D, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression, HRQoL, health-related quality of life, PASI, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, QoL, quality of life