AbstractMental and neurological disorders account for 10% of Disability Adjusted Life Years lost (DALY). people suffering from recurrent and progressive medical conditions have a higher risk of developing mental health problems. Psoriasis is one such disease where psychiatric comorbidities are more prominent and common and have a negative impact on mental health leading to a poorer prognosis.
Aim and objectives: This study was conducted to determine the incidence of anxiety and depression in psoriasis patients, as well as to correlate these with psoriasis severity and quality of life.
Materials and Methods: This study was done at a tertiary care hospital at Mamata General Hospital Khammam and Mamata Academy of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad over a period of 3 months on psoriasis patients. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index were used to assess the severity of psoriasis. PHQ-9, Perceived stress scale, and GAD -7 were used for screening depression, perceived stress, and anxiety respectively. WHOQOL-BREF was used to assess the quality of life.
Statistical Analysis: Statistical Analysis was performed using Microsoft excel software and SPSS .
Results: A sum of 69 subjects had anxiety and 71 subjects had depression. 51 patients had significant stress. A remarkable positive correlation was established between psoriasis variables like severity and duration of psoriasis and psychological variables such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The severity of psoriasis had a significant negative relation to social relationships and environmental domains of WHOQOL. QoL was significantly poor in patients with psoriasis with existing comorbidities like anxiety or depression.
Conclusion: Patients suffering from psoriasis have a significant rate of depression, anxiety, and stress. This study signifies the relationship between psoriasis, Quality of life, and psychiatric comorbidities and the need to consider dermatological and psychological factors.
Keywords: Depression; Anxiety; Psoriasis; QOL.