Evaluation of functional impairment in psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Psoriasis is a chronic disease, the course of which is punctuated by exacerbations and remissions. The impact of a chronic, relapsing, and disfiguring disease such as psoriasis on occupational, social, and other areas of functioning is substantial and needs attention.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the level and nature of functional impairment in psoriasis.


METHODS
Forty-three consecutive patients attending the dermatology clinic of a rural hospital were studied for psychiatric comorbidity and the level of functioning, using a semistructured questionnaire.


RESULTS
Psoriasis affected social functioning of 48% patients, led to decreased work efficiency in 51.1% and to subjective distress at work in 62.8% of patients. Stress in home environment and interpersonal relationships was reported by 69.8%. Social and occupational functioning worsened with increasing severity of psoriasis after 1-year duration of illness. Patients complaining of pruritus frequently had anxiety disorders. Psychiatric comorbidity was detected in 67.4% cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Substantial proportion of patients suffered deterioration of functioning, especially with increasing duration of illness. Thus, timely attention by dermatologists is needed in order to limit the disability caused by psoriasis. To achieve this, liaison with psychiatrist would be crucial along with illness education and emotional support.
Department of Skin, MIMER Medical College, Talegaon Dabhade, Maharashtra, India. rohinigkwd@yahoo.co.in
Rohini
R
Gaikwad
Sharmishtha
S
Deshpande
Swati
S
Raje
D V
DV
Dhamdhere
M R
MR
Ghate
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires