Disease Severity, Quality of Life, and Psychiatric Morbidity in Patients with Psoriasis with Reference to Sociodemographic, Lifestyle, and Clinical Variables: A Prospective, Cross-Sectional Study from Lahore, Pakistan

Background: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, chronic disease with a genetic background that involves skin, nails, and joints. The incidence of psoriasis varies from 2.0% to 4.0% depending on the geographical location, ethnic background, and environmental conditions. Recent research has proved that psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease with extensive systemic implications. Objectives of the study were to explore the severity of psoriasis, dermatology-related quality of life, and psychiatric health of the patients with reference to sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics. Method: Consecutive patients with psoriasis (ICD-10 criteria) from skin outpatient clinics of 3 tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, between November 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012, were assessed in this prospective cross-sectional study. The final sample includes 87 patients who were evaluated for severity of psoriasis (Psoriasis Area Severity Index [PASI]), dermatology-related quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), and psychiatric morbidity (12-item General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-12]) and were assessed on 23 sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical variables. Results: Of the 23 variables, the PASI was significantly associated with education and habit of drinking alcohol (P Conclusions: Psoriasis has an immense impact on the life of patients and common comorbidities in psoriasis including coronary heart disease, depression, cerebrovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Screening for these comorbidities in psoriasis patients is essential. Impaired quality of life negatively affects the psyche of patients and initiates coping mechanisms, which may lead to depression and anxiety, social dysfunction, and loss of confidence, and the psychosocial burden of the disease may become more than the physical burden. The dermatologist usually manages physical disease and fails to address the social, emotional, and psychological aspects. Quality of life improves if these psychological aspects are also properly dealt with.