TUESDAY, Aug. 8, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Having atopic dermatitis is associated with a higher risk for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, according to a study published online July 26 in the Archives of Dermatological Research.

Ryan Fan, from the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and colleagues used electronic health record data from participants in the All of Us research program (13,433 atopic dermatitis cases and 53,732 matched controls) to assess the relationship between atopic dermatitis and schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder in a nested, matched, case-control study.

The researchers found that participants with atopic dermatitis were more likely to have schizophrenia (2.0 versus 1.1 percent) or schizoaffective disorder (1.8 versus 0.5 percent). Even when controlling for demographics and comorbidities, the association persisted (odds ratios, 1.64 and 2.44 for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, respectively).

"This study provides further strong evidence for a potential relationship between atopic dermatitis with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder," the authors write. "Dermatologists treating patients with atopic dermatitis should be aware of these associations to facilitate collaborative management with other providers when appropriate."