Psoriasis is associated with increased psychiatric comorbidity, yet patterns of mental health care use and spending remain unclear.
Objective
To characterize use and expenditures for outpatient mental health services and psychotropic medications among U.S. persons with psoriasis and identify sociodemographic disparities.
Methods
Cross-sectional analysis of 2,123 participants with psoriasis in the 2005-2022 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Negative binomial and two-part models examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and mental health care utilization and spending.
Results
Higher education and income levels were associated with fewer psychiatrist visits, but lower-income groups had greater utilization overall. Men spent more on psychotropic medications than women. Racial minorities had lower medication spending than White patients. Medicare coverage was linked to greater total expenditure compared to private insurance.
Limitations
Psoriasis severity was unavailable. International Classification of Diseases-based identification may undercount cases.
Conclusion
Substantial sociodemographic and insurance disparities persist in mental health care use and spending among psoriasis patients.
