Psoriasis And Its Effect On Mental Health
Psoriasis is a lifelong immune-mediated disease that causes inflammation in the body. The inflammation manifests itself in the form of scales and raised plaques on the skin. Normal skin cells grow and shed themselves in a month. In persons with psoriasis, an overactive immune system speeds up the skin cell growth and the skin cells go through the cycle every 3-4 days but don’t shed. The accumulation of the skin cells on the surface forming plaques.
The exact trigger for the overactive immune system is not entirely known but it may occur due to our genetic makeup, the environment, and other factors such as obesity, medications, and infections. Psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriasis is usually triggered by something causing symptoms to appear or worsen. Triggers vary from person to person. Psoriasis symptoms often start between 15 years and 25 years but can start at any age.
Psoriasis can have a high impact on a person’s quality of life and self-esteem. Many mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, sexual disorders, and substance abuse are associated with psoriasis and may result due to the psychosocial impact of having a chronic skin condition. The underlying psychiatric disorders are tied within a vicious cycle. A psychiatric condition such as anxiety worsens the skin disease and the aesthetic consequences of having psoriasis worsen the associated anxiety condition.
Stress is a common trigger for a psoriasis flare. Stress can also make the itch worse. This makes managing stress a particularly important skill for people with psoriasis. Studies have also shown that psoriatic plaques trigger the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines which in turn trigger depression symptoms.
Psoriasis may make a person feel isolated. It may affect the way they feel, the clothes they wear, the way they manage symptoms, and the way they care for their overall health. The itch and appearance of psoriasis may get in the way of their life – employment, education, and romantic relationships.
Unawareness about psoriasis amongst people gives rise to stigma and negatively affects those with the disease. Stigma arises from false beliefs about the condition such as believing that psoriasis is infectious and contagious and that they can get it by touching someone who has it. Psoriasis is neither infectious nor contagious and awareness is required to change this misconception. The stigma affects the self-esteem of people with psoriasis and makes them feel embarrassed.
Living with psoriasis can be a challenge. Developing a strong personal support system and discussing one’s concerns with them can lessen the emotional burden that comes with psoriasis. Lifestyle modifications are also important for the management of psoriasis such as proper weight management, a healthy diet, regular exercise, tobacco cessation, reduced alcohol intake, and stress or anxiety-reducing practices.
Like other immune-related diseases, psoriasis does not have a definitive cure yet. Over the past decades, there has been a significant understanding of the pathogenesis of the diseases which has helped in the development of highly effective treatments for psoriasis. It may be necessary to work with both a dermatologist and psychologist to treat psoriasis to address the physical and psychological side effects of the condition. The successful treatment of the physical symptoms of psoriasis often leads to improvement in the psychological effects of psoriasis on the patient; for example, their depression, alcohol dependence, or behavioural disorder (eg, obsessive-compulsive disorder) improves and reduces the risk of developing other comorbidities such as diabetes and heart disease.
It is also recommended that with proper physical treatment, psychological support, and therapy, patients’ self-esteem improves and helping them to move ahead in life in a productive manner.
