Expert Panel Discussion among Psoriasis and Psychodermatology Specialists: How Best to Manage Depressed Psoriasis Patients with Brodalumab

Psoriasis patients with comorbid depression represent a common therapeutic challenge for dermatologists. Depressed patients often require the practicing dermatologist to go outside of their comfort zone, and the FDA’s labeling of medications such as brodalumab have further complicated an already difficult-to-treat patient population. A multi-disciplinary work-group consisting of a board-certified psychiatrist, a licensed clinical psychologist, and multiple dermatologists was convened to formulate practical recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of this at-risk population. How to broach the subject of depression and when to refer patients for formal evaluation were discussed. The expert panel also produced a consensus statement regarding the use of brodalumab in patients with both psoriasis and depression.