According to Bel Marra Health, patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis receiving biologics therapy showed reduction in depression and insomnia.

The researchers identified 980 patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis receiving biologics therapy. The researchers compared rates of patients taking medications for depression and insomnia before and after biologics therapy.

Prior to biologics treatment, 20 percent of patients were taking antidepressants. After two years of biologics, there was over a 40 percent reduction in antidepressant use.

The researchers also found that being over the age of 45, being a woman, having comorbidities, and suffering from psoriatic arthritis are independent risk factors for depression and insomnia. Biologics therapy in those younger than 45 actually sped up the reduction of the antidepressant use.

The authors concluded, “The results suggest that biologics therapy may be associated with reduced rates of depression and insomnia, and a reduced rate of regular antidepressant use in psoriasis patients.”

View the full story at www.belmarrahealth.com