World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

UNDERSTANDING THE COPING STRATEGIES AND ATTITUDE OF PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS TOWARDS THEIR APPEARANCE

Dr. Amitabh Saha*, Dr. Tukaram C. A. and Dr. Nidhi Kumar

ABSTRACT

Background: Psoriasis is noted to have psychiatric and psychological co morbidity with its progression. It is essential to understand the Psychological aspects of patients who have chronic dermatological conditions like psoriasis. Objectives: To assess the coping strategies, attitude towards appearance among patients with Psoriasis when reporting to large tertiary care centre. Method: It was a cross-sectional, hospital based study, of 50 Psoriasis patients in a tertiary care hospital with 50 normal study group. Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scales were applied to assess severity of skin lesions. Attitude to appearance (ATT) and Brief COPE scale were applied to assess perfectionist attitude and coping respectively. Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) and Hamilton Rating Scale for depression (HAM-D) scales were applied to assess correlation of Anxiety and depression with above variables. Results: Psoriasis patients used mainly planning and venting coping strategies. Psoriasis patients were using coping especially more maladaptive emotion-focused coping. Significant positive correlations were found between anxiety (HAM-A), depression (HAM-D, BDI) and coping (Brief COPE) in patients with Psoriasis. Conclusion: The evidence of anxiety and depression in patients with psoriasis warrants a psychiatric workup and evaluation in such patients as deemed fit by treating dermatologist. It indicates a need for regular psychological assessment of these patients.

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