PSYCHOSOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTION AND STIGMA FEELINGS IN PSORIASIS PATIENTS

Background Many studies as well as clinical experience indicate that p atients often feel stigmatized by their psoriasis and may experience r ejection due to their skin disease. Methods. In this study of connecti ons between feelings about having psoriasis, rejection by others, and the impact on work experience, alcohol use, and psychiatric help-seeki ng, 100 adults with moderate to severe psoriasis responded to a specia lly designed questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis is used to de termine whether, and how, rejection experience and stigma feelings are associated with the three psychosocial outcomes after controlling for psoriasis severity. Results. Nineteen percent of the subjects experie nced 50 episodes of gross rejection as a result of their psoriasis, mo st often from a gym, pool, hairdresser, or job. Rejection experience l eads to feeling stigmatized, which is then associated with help seekin g and, to some degree, with interference with work. Rejection can lead to feeling stigmatized and to increased alcohol consumption, but the data show that patients may drink without conscious awareness of their feelings. Conclusions. When patients experience psoriasis-related rej ection, they may feel stigmatized and suffer further adverse effects o n their emotional and occupational life. It is urgent that ways of hel ping people deal with the impact of psoriasis, its stigmatizing potent ial, and the consequences of psoriasis-induced rejection be emphasized .