TRIVIAL OR TERRIBLE - THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF PSORIASIS

Background. Psoriasis remains a chronic disease with lesions that are often extensive and disfiguring. While the potential for psychosocial morbidity and impairment are recognized, the literature remains equivo cal with regard to the prevalence and degree of this impairment. Metho ds. The present study utilized a new questionnaire designed to assess the type and degree of psychosocial impairment present among psoriasis patients. The questionnaire was designed to assess major areas of psy chosocial functioning and was completed by 64 patients undergoing outp atient treatment. Results. Approximately half the patients were found to have moderate to extreme levels of anxiety, depression, and anger. Patients reported experiencing these negative emotional sequelae both during their disease flares and during periods of remission. Patients were also found to have moderate to extreme levels of pruritus associa ted with their flares. Psychologic morbidity was positively associated with length of disease flare. Significant levels of social embarrassm ent, life disruption, and social withdrawal were found as well. Conclu sions. Psoriasis does appear to cause significant psychosocial morbidi ty. Greater awareness by physicians and more comprehensive treatment a ddressing these psychosocial components may avert, or at least minimiz e, some of these negative sequelae.