A FREQUENCY OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE CHRONIC PLAQUE PSORIASIS

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that often leads to psychological distress. Patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis are at risk of anxiety and depression, which can negatively affect their quality of life and treatment outcomes. However, data on psychiatric comorbidities in Pakistani patients are limited. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that can cause significant psychological distress. Patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis are at increased risk of anxiety and depression, which may negatively affect quality of life and treatment outcomes. Data on psychiatric comorbidities among Pakistani patients are limited, highlighting the need for local research.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted In the Dermatology Unit of Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital, Bannu, from March 15, 2024, to September 15, 2024. Total 146 patients aged 15-70 years with a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥ 7 were recruited through the consecutive sampling method. Patients who had severe comorbid illnesses or psychiatric disorders besides depression and anxiety were not allowed were excluded from the study. The severity of psoriasis was evaluated clinically, and anxiety and depression were determined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). SPSS v25.0 was used to analyze data. Frequencies and percentages were shown to represent categorical variables whereas means +- SD represented continuous variables. The chi-square tests were used to assess the associations with p ≤ 0.05 as significant.

Results:Among 146 patients, 16 (11.0%) had depression and 28 (19.2%) had anxiety. Depression was more common in females (14)(17.1% vs.(2)3.1% in males)p=(0.007), high-income individuals (12)(22.6%),(p=0.003) and illiterate patients (9) (18.8%)(p=0.021). Anxiety was higher in males (26.6%) and most frequent in the middle-income group (35.9%). Age, disease duration, and occupation were not significantly associated p>0.05 with either condition.

Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are common in a large percentage of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. The findings indicate the significance of psychosocial assessment and intervention in the daily dermatological practice.