Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research), Pudhucherry
Online published on 6 April, 2019.
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, relapsing dermatological condition with a complex etiopathogenesis. It can cause significant physical and psychological morbidity in those whom it affects.
The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of psoriasis on psychological health among patients with psoriasis and to identify the association of psychological well being with the selected demographic variables.
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted that included 200 patients diagnosed with various types of psoriasis who attended Dermatologic Out-Patient Department of a tertiary care hospital. 12-items General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to assess the psychological well being.
Psychological distress was reported by 64 (32%) subjects and 48 (24%) subjects reported severe psychological distress and more psychological problems.
The study results indicate that psychological problems are common among patients with psoriasis and a simple screening instrument like GHQ-12 may be used to detect the problems for subsequent evaluation and management.
Psoriasis, Psychological well being, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12)
