A Study of Psychiatric Morbidity and Stressful Life Events in Psoriasis

Background: A relationship between dermatological conditions and psychological factors has long been observed. Prevalence of psychiatric morbidity is high in psoriasis. Stressful life events may exacerbate psoriasis, acne, eczema, and urticaria. Among the above- mentioned diseases, only psoriasis has shown a consistent association with stress. Objective: The aim of the study is to know the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and stressful life events in psoriasis, to correlate with socio-demographic variables and to know their clinical relevance. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from May 2010 to August 2010 in the Department of Dermatology, Raja Mirasudhar Hospital, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur. Results: A total of 45 patients suffering from Psoriasis were evaluated for the study out of which 35 were male (77.8%) and 10 were female (22.2%). About 30 patients (66.7%) had a psychiatric illness. 11 patients (24.4%) were suffering from depressive disorder, 13 patients (28.9%) were alcohol harmful user, 3 patients (6.7%) had both alcohol harmful use and depressive disorder. Conclusion: Psoriasis is more common in males than females. Most of the patients with psoriasis belong to lower socio-economic status. Depression and Substance use disorders are prevalent in Psoriasis patients. Number of life events and score in the past one year do not differ significantly in psoriatic patients with or without psychiatric morbidity. The results support the view that psychological stress plays a role in triggering or exacerbating psoriasis.