Psoriasis has been classified under the psychophysiological disorders; other examples being atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata. These are bonafide skin disease with demonstrable skin lesions that can be worsened by such psychological factors such as emotional stress.

Aims and Objectives: To study influence of various stressful life events and coping strategies on the course of psoriasis.and psychiatric comorbidity among the patients of psoriasis. A comparative study between patients of psoriasis (study group) and matched control group consisting of people without psoriasis, was planned.

Results: A sample of 30 patients diagnosed as having psoriasis, attending the skin outpatient department of a general hospital were randomly selected for the study Among the cases, 66.67% patients used fatalism while 16.67% used problem solving coping skills whereas among the controls, 46.67% people used problem solving and expressive action coping skills while 16.67% used fatalism coping skills. Z test shows a statistically significant difference in coping skills used in the 2 groups suggesting use of psychotherapeutic measures in management of psoriasis 33.3% of patients of psoriasis had psychiatric comorbidity, commonest being adjustment disorder.

Conclusion: The presence of a coexisting psychiatric disorder greatly affects the quality of life, treatment, and outcome of the disease. Emotional factors and poor coping strategies are associated with poorer prognosis. Patients can be encouraged to become active on their own behalf, and to take a proactive rather than passive role, which would increase their self esteem and sense of control.

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Dr Sayed Asif Umar

Asst Professor, Department of Pharmacology RMC Loni