Depression and Suicidality in Psoriasis and Clinical Studies of Brodalumab: A Narrative Review

Patients with psoriasis have high rates of depression and may be at increased risk for suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB). Attempted and completed suicides during clinical trials and other studies of psoriasis therapies, including brodalumab, highlight the importance of understanding psychiatric risk factors in patients with psoriasis. Recent meta-analyses, research studies, and published data from brodalumab clinical studies were reviewed. We also summarize research on effects of brodalumab on depression symptoms and occurrences of SIB in brodalumab clinical trials. Psoriasis elevates the risk for depression and possible suicide. Brodalumab has a boxed suicide warning; however, it states that there is no established causal association between treatment with brodalumab and increased risk for SIB. Clinicians are urged to evaluate patients with psoriasis for psychiatric risk factors regardless of their therapy and to consider the package insert and a comprehensive evaluation of relevant literature to make a well-balanced decision.