Association of sociodemographic factors and mental health utilization for psoriasis patients in the medical expenditure panel survey.

BACKGROUND

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 US persons with psoriasis and identify sociodemographic disparities.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of 2123 participants with psoriasis in the 2005-2022 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Negative binomial and 2-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.