title: Psoriasis: snapshots of the unspoken: using novel methods to explore patients' personal models of psoriasis and the impact on well-being.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  People with psoriasis report high levels of undermanaged distress. This is compounded by the problem that some patients find it difficult to discuss their emotions. Distress prevents optimal self-management, which may exacerbate psoriasis flares, thereby creating a vicious cycle.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To offer people with psoriasis a novel way of expressing their personal models of psoriasis in order to gain a better understanding of their experiences of living with the condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used a qualitative technique - asking people with psoriasis to complete a postcard entitled 'Dear Psoriasis...' - to collect survey data on their personal models of psoriasis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and four returned postcards provided new insights into the extent of and reasons for distress in psoriasis. Seven dominant themes emerged: identity and relationships; battleground; control; emotional consequences; hypervigilance; coping; treatment burden.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reports of distress were common, and for many it was long-standing. Some reported low self-esteem and self-denigration bordering on self-loathing, and described being hypervigilant and in a constant battle with their skin. Many people did not expect to have intimate relationships, resulting in reduced social support for patients in the future. This research underscores the need for patient support and psychological treatment to be made available as part of routine care.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Inflammation and Repair, Dermatological Sciences, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 7PT, U.K.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bundy
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Borthwick
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: McAteer
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cordingley
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Howells
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bristow
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McBride
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004644:Emotions; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D057566:Self Report; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology*