Vishal Agrawal, Harshal Gupta
BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis characterized by erythematous, scaly lesions covering extensive areas of the skin with prevalence of 2-3% in the general population. Psoriasis do not affect survival often, but has major negative effects on quality of life of patients. Aims- Assessment of the quality of life and psychological distress in patients diagnosed with psoriasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS 100 consecutive consenting patients with psoriasis of age more than 16 years and of both sexes were assessed. The study subjects attended dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care centre. Clinical severity of disease was measured using psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and psoriasis disability index (PDI). Psychological distress was measured by hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULTS 44% of the patients were diagnosed with anxiety and 21% with depression. Significant correlation was noted between the PASI score, PDI and HADS. Among the two groups of patients based on their PASI scores; group I (PASI < 18); group II (PASI > 18) the mean of the PDI and its subdivisions in each of the clinical severity groups were compared. Results revealed that the total PDI and all its subdivisions (except questions relating to leisure and treatment) were significantly higher in group II (PASI > 18). CONCLUSION This study suggests that severely affected psoriasis patients require a holistic approach for treatment where both medical and psychological measures should be taken into consideration.
