A survey of the social and psychological effects of psoriasis.
One hundred and four consecutive patients with psoriasis who were being treated in two Dublin dermatology hospital units answered a questionnaire. Social and emotional morbidity was present for many patients despite access to modern treatment facilities. Fifty five percent of patients had never experienced a complete remission from their psoriasis. A large percentage of patients avoided common social activities, for example swimming and sports; 50% felt that psoriasis had inhibited their sexual relationships and 11% of patients said they would avoid having children in case their offspring should develop the condition. Thirty-six per cent felt the hospital doctor spent most of the consultation time writing prescriptions and 59% of patients had never been given an explanatory pamphlet or book about psoriasis. To help patients to come to terms with what is for many a lifelong condition, greater efforts should be made to improve the communication at consultation, and provide more patient education.
Ramsay
B
B
Dermatology Department, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.
O'Reagan
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002321:Career Choice; D003020:Clothing; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000523:psychology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D013997:Time Factors