title: Psoriasis uncovered--measuring burden of disease impact in a survey of Australians with psoriasis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Internationally, the understanding of psoriasis has advanced in recent years to the point now where it is no longer considered a benign or cosmetic skin condition but a systemic, immune-mediated disease associated with significant comorbidities and considerable detriment to quality of life. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the physical, psychosocial and medical burden of psoriasis on Australian adults and the impact on health status.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two large-scale multi-centre cross-sectional studies of Australian adults with psoriasis were conducted during 2010 and 2011, with the participation of a national patient representative group (Psoriasis Australia). The studies were based on detailed questionnaires that were self-completed by individuals with psoriasis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 362 and 330 completed surveys were received in 2010 and 2011, respectively. A significant physical, psychosocial and medical burden was reported by the respondents. It was noteworthy that patients reported actively concealing their disease from the general public (83%), work colleagues (65%), friends (58%), employers (49%), family (40%), close friends (39%) and spouse/partner (20%). The mean five-dimension European quality of life (EQ-5D) score for the 2011 cohort was 0.73, representing a significant impact on their HRQoL. The presence of comorbidities, found in three-quarters of the cohort, was associated with an even greater detriment to their HRQoL (mean score 0.64).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Psoriasis imposes a significant psychosocial burden on the lives of patients, including a profound impact upon their personal and professional relationships, social interactions and quality of life, to a degree comparable to other serious chronic conditions. This study highlights the importance of collaboration between primary and specialist health-care providers in developing patient management strategies that address the spectrum of physical and psychological manifestations associated with psoriasis.
authors: Department of Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. chris.baker2@svhm.org.au
authors: Chris S
authors: CS
authors: Baker
authors: Peter A
authors: PA
authors: Foley
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Braue
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents