Clinical manifestations of psoriasis: psychological construct

Psoriasis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Stress is considered to be one of the causes of this pathology. The subjective perception of stress and the individual’s ability to cope with stress are closely related to the person’s ability to understand feelings and emotions, coping strategies, psychological defense mechanisms, stress resistance and executive functions (cognitive flexibility). 
Objective. To study the severity of psychological and neuropsychological parameters in relation to the clinical manifestations of psoriasis. 
Materials and methods. 67 patients with psoriasis were enrolled in the study. Research methods: anamnesis, Visual Analogue Scale (for itch intensity), The Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, Life Style Index, Social Readjustment Rating Scale, The Ways of Coping Checklist, Screening for Somatoform Symptoms and computer version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. 
Results. Low emotional intelligence, maladaptive coping strategies, primitive psychological defense mechanisms, somatization, low stress resistance and impaired executive functions are increasing the chances of developing a more severe clinical picture in patients with psoriasis. 
Conclusions. The research findings are indicating the importance of a multidisciplinary treatment approach to psoriasis (dermatologist, psychologist or psychotherapist). Perhaps, team approach can be useful on the early intervention strategies, for treatment improvement and relapse prevention in patients with psoriasis.

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