Coping With Psoriasis : Need for Consultation - Liaison

Abstract

A comparative study between patients of psoriasis and matched control group was carried out at a municipal hospital. They were administered a semistructured proforma and psychiatric comorbidity was clinically assessed. The scales used were: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Hindi version of Factor C of the 16PF questionnaire, presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale and Mechanism of Coping Scale. It was found that psoriasis had a significant impact on the patient’s day life in various areas. There was a significant prevalence of anxiety and depression in these patients. As compared to the control group, emotional factor and coping skills rather than stressful events played important role in the development of psychopathology. The significant psychiatric comorbidity in patients of psoriasis greatly affects the quality of life and the course of the disease. The clinical implications of the study are discussed in the paper.