FREQUENCY OF NEUROPSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS OF PSORIASIS

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the frequency of different neuropsychiatric illnesses in patients of psoriasis.

Material and Methods:

Psoriasis and psychological disturbances are linked together like other mental disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. The psoriasis patients (n=48) visiting the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, Quetta over a year were selected for the study.

Result:

 Plaque psoriasis (n=33; 68.7%) was the most common type of psoriasis among the participants, followed by palmoplantar psoriasis (n=7; 14.4%), erythrodermic psoriasis (n=5; 10.4%) and guttate (n=3; 6%) psoriasis. Males (n=31; 64.58%) were more likely to be affected by psoriasis than females (n=17; 35.41%). Psychiatric screeners were positive in 62.5% of patients in the study and negative in 37.5%. The results showed that 21 (63.6%) of the plaque psoriasis individuals had positive results, while palmoplantar (n=3; 42.8%) and erythrodermic (n=3; 60%) had the lowest psychiatric morbidity. The guttate had the highest prevalence of psychiatric screener positivity (n=3; 100%). According to the skindex, the commonest psychiatric morbidity in psoriasis patients was fear (68.75%), followed by embarrassment (66.66%), depression (64.58%), anger (62.5%), social problem (60.41%), discomfort (58.33%), cognitive impairment (47.91%) and physical limitation (41.66%).

Conclusion:
The study highlights plaque psoriasis as the most prevalent type, with males more affected than females. Psychiatric screeners revealed substantial positivity, particularly in guttate psoriasis. Skindex analysis showcased prevalent psychological morbidities, notably fear and embarrassment. This underscores the need for holistic management, recognizing the profound impact of psoriasis on mental well-being alongside dermatological symptoms. Integrating psychiatric care into treatment strategies is vital for improving the quality of life for patients grappling with the psychosocial burdens of psoriasis.