Impact of Psoriasis on Psychological Well-being–Screening by GHQ-12

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, relapsing dermatological condition with a complex
etiopathogenesis. It can cause significant physical and psychological morbidity in those whom it affects.
Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of psoriasis on psychological health among patients
with psoriasis and to identify the association of psychological well being with the selected demographic
variables.
Method and Materials:Across-sectional descriptive study was conducted that included 200 patients diagnosed
with various types of psoriasis who attended Dermatologic Out-Patient Department of a tertiary care hospital.
12-items General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to assess the psychological well being.
Results: Psychological distress was reported by 64 (32%) subjects and 48 (24%) subjects reported severe
psychological distress and more psychological problems.
Conclusion: The study results indicate that psychological problems are common among patients with
psoriasis and a simple screening instrument like GHQ-12 may be used to detect the problems for subsequent
evaluation and management