[Psychological factors in allergic skin diseases].
BACKGROUND
Over recent years, increasing attention has been given to the impact of psychological factors on the onset and course of many illnesses.


METHODS
In total, 112 patients underwent psychological interview, including 37 with diagnosed urticaria, 50 with allergic contact dermatitis and 25 with atopic dermatitis. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to determine patients' mental condition and Profile of Mood States (POMS) to measure subjects' affective states. The level of self-acceptance was assessed with the Self-Assessment Scale (SAS). The dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was employed to measure the effects of skin disease on patients' physical and social functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with skin diseases have significantly lower level of: self-acceptance, self-knowledge and feeling of self-effectiveness than healthy controls. Skin disorders such as urticaria, allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis reduced patients' quality of life, especially in professional activities. The most extensive disturbances in physical and psychosocial functioning were observed in subjects with allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Patients with skin diseases, especially those with allergic contact dermatitis and urticaria have a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders than the general population.
Kieć-Swierczyńska
Marta
M
Przychodnia Chorób Zawodowych, Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera, Lódź. marswier@imp.lodz.pl
Krecisz
Beata
B
Potocka
Adrianna
A
Swierczyńska-Machura
Dominika
D
Dudek
Wojciech
W
Pałczyński
Cezary
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014581:Urticaria / Q000453:epidemiology