Atopic Dermatitis and Major Depressive Disorder: is there causality?

Introduction The association between Atopic Dermatitis (AD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has long been reported by some population-based observational studies. However, studies are susceptible to potential confounders inverse causation, rendering it difficult conclude about the causality of such association. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis is a novel epidemiological method assess causation an exposure outcome, with less susceptibility reverse using genetic variants as instrumental variables. Objectives To report clinical case depression in atopic dermatitis review what contributions MR have bringing matter AD MDD. Methods Case literature based on PubMed terms “atopic dermatitis”, “eczema”, “depression", “depressive”, “mood” “Mendelian randomization”, which were searched title abstract fields. Results Case-report: A 26-year-old man was admitted for inpatient treatment picture sadness, irritability, social isolation insomnia, 4 months evolution, aggravated suicidal ideation preceding days. On examination mental status, patient had frankly depressed mood, congruent affects. He contemplating suicide methods, pointing sodium nitrite intoxication option. related these symptoms worsening his dermatitis. In fact, he history other depressive episodes contemporaries periods dermatological worsening. Literature review: research identified 7 articles, assessed causal effect Three did support risk One study supported small MDD, significance disappearing when stricter threshold selection single-nucleotide polymorphisms applied. Conclusions included this poster favour absence suggesting that comorbidity observed clinically unlikely be causal. We must aware few not free limitations (e.g. subgroup age severity carried out, MDD diagnosis self-reported cases). Further may help clarify existence and/or uncover factors responsible Disclosure Interest None Declared