Psychometric Evaluation of Patients with Psoriasis and their Association with Patients’ Psychological Characteristics

TL;DR

This study evaluates the psychological effects of psoriasis, finding that women and those on medication experience higher depression and psychological stress.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the psychological impact of psoriasis, particularly gender differences and medication effects on mental health.

Findings

Female psoriasis patients showed significantly higher depression scores compared to males.

Patients on psoriasis medication were twice as likely to respond positively to lie questions in psychological assessments.

Psoriasis impacts social and daily functioning, highlighting the need for psychological care alongside physical treatment.

Abstract

The onset, progression and recurrence of psoriasis is believed to be related to mood and psychological disorders, such as depression. Psoriasis affects the personal, social and sexual life of patients resulting in psychological stress.

The purpose of the research is the psychometric evaluation of patients with psoriasis.

Seventy one patients with psoriasis were enrolled in the study. The measurement of the severity of psoriasis in the patients was implemented through specific indicators, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to measure the intensity of depressive symptoms. In addition, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), the self-completed scale Brief Symptom Inventory SCL - 90, and the HDHQ questionnaire (Psychometric Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire) were given. The validity and reliability of questionnaires rely on input from experts and potential responders who may suggest pertinent revisions to prepare forms with attractive designs, easily understandable questions, and correctly ordered points that appeal to target respondents.

Females with psoriasis have on average significantly higher scores in the BDI depression scale (13.5±10.0 vs. 7.9±8.3, p=0.009) compared to men, as well as in the SCL90 depression scale (13.64±10.18 vs. 7.00±5.45, p=0.003). The extroversion scale of the EPQ is statistically significantly related with the patients’ psychiatric history and stable income. Patients receiving medication for psoriasis are 2 times more likely to answer the lie questions positively than patients not receiving medication (OR=2.01, p=0.028).

Psoriasis exerts a direct influence on the social daily life of the individual, at a functional and behavioural level. It is essential to emphasise the importance of addressing the psychological effects of psoriasis along with its physical aspects for better outcomes.