Psychosocial Profile of Patients with Psoriasis

Srinivasan Jayaraman; Thamilselvan Palanichamy; D Sai Baalasubramanian; K S Arun Narayan Pradeep; R JagadeshChander

Srinivasan Jayaraman Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, SRM University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Thamilselvan Palanichamy Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
D Sai Baalasubramanian Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, SRM University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
K S Arun Narayan Pradeep Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, SRM University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
R JagadeshChander Post graduate Student, Department of Psychology, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Keywords: Psoriasis, Quality of life, Aggression, Illness perception and Irritability

Abstract

Background: People’s ability to manage Psoriasis, a skin disease which is problematic and it is to be affected by the attitudes and expectations of those around them, especially for those people who live in communities within larger societies because it is proved that psychological, social and cultural factors play a major role in managing the disease and sometimes identification of psychological problem is quite difficult. The impact of Psoriasis varies with different social settings, and it affects the ability of individuals with Psoriasis to manage their condition and to function effectively within their society.

Aim: To study the psychosocial profile of patients with Psoriasis.

Methods: Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). During the second session the following tools were given. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Overt Aggression Scale- Modified (OAS-M), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) - M/F were given to 30 women and 30 men with an inclusion criterion- patient diagnosed with psoriasis – all types, age range of 20 - 60 years, 8 years of formal education and only married living with spouse.

Results: On quantitative analysis showed that there is no significant relation in genders with respect to illness perception, quality of life, sleep pattern, sexual experience, aggression, irritability and suicidality.

Conclusion: The present study concluded that there is positive correlation among aggression, irritability, suicidality; social support and support from family and friends; illness perception and sex.Indicates that patients with poor quality of life have more aggression. There is significant negative correlation in the following variables indicating that more problems in illness perception and less support from friends.