Psychiatric disorders in psoriatic patients: a cross-sectional study in multi-government hospitals

Abstract

Psoriasis is chronic skin condition that leads to disfigurement and disability. Individuals with psoriasis often face stigma in their everyday lives. This research aims to evaluate the coexistence of psychiatric diseases in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and seeks to assess the impact of these psychiatric disorders on patients’ quality of life, raise awareness among healthcare professionals, and enhance the standard of care for the assessment and management of psoriasis. A total number of 246 patients with chronic psoriatic (patients’ group) and additional 246 age and sex-matched individuals served as the control group. Informed consent was obtained, and ethical approval was granted. The study followed case-control, cross-sectional design with thorough examinations, and assessment tools including mental health questionnaire based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-4 and DSM-5), along with the PCASEE model for assessing health status and quality of life. There was a strong association between psoriasis and psychiatric disorders, particularly in patients with visible lesions and severe disease. Depression is strongly associated with the severity of psoriasis, while anxiety and social phobia appear unrelated to disease severity. In conclusion, this work highlights the importance for comprehensive care strategies that include both the physical and mental health needs of psoriatic patients. We highly recommend that dermatologists screen psoriasis patients for depression, anxiety, and suicidality, and remain vigilant for severe psychiatric conditions.