Early-Life Stress: A Risk Factor for Developing Psoriasis

A Swedish birth‑cohort analysis found that changes in family structure during infancy were associated with an almost threefold increase in later‑life psoriasis.

The All Babies in Southeast Sweden cohort followed 17,055 children and identified 121 later diagnoses of psoriasis, with exposure windows assessed at ages 1, 3, 5, and 8 years. The strongest association was linked to family‑structure changes in the first year of life.

The report frames plausible neuroendocrine mechanisms—stress‑related increases in cortisol and altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity—that could modulate immune signaling implicated in psoriasis, including downstream shifts in Th17/IL‑23–mediated inflammation relevant to keratinocyte proliferation. Targeted primary studies are required to establish causal biology.

Clinically, the association supports including early‑life stressors in a broader risk assessment for patients with psoriasis or those at elevated risk. Brief psychosocial screening linked to defined referral pathways could help support patients with clear vulnerability.