Patient considerations in the management of mental stress in psoriasis

Abstract:

Psoriasis is an incurable, inflammatory disease of the skin with a complex etiology. The disease has serious negative repercussions for patients’ quality of life, but quality of life does not depend on physical symptoms alone. The impact of somatic symptoms on life quality is mitigated by various forms of mental stress. Through a discussion of the physical and mental burdens of psoriasis, the psychosocial determinants of life quality, common treatment options, and issues of adherence and resilience, this paper seeks to identify common sources of mental stress and appropriate strategies for stress management for psoriasis patients. The paper argues that a sustained and successful management of psoriasis depends on patients playing an active role in the prevention and reduction of their own personal sources of mental stress. Health-care professionals can and should assist patients in doing so.

Keywords::

• psoriasis
• shared decision-making
• treatment
• adherence
• resilience