ABSTRACT
Stigmatization is defined as having a discrediting mark that leads to social discrimination and alienation. The aim of this study was to estimate the level of stigmatization experienced by patients with psoriasis. A total of 102 individuals with psoriasis were recruited and was assessed using the 6-item Stigmatization Scale and the 33-item Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire. In addition, quality of life, stress and depression were evaluated. The majority of patients felt that they were stigmatized by psoriasis. The most bothersome aspect was that other people stared at their skin changes. According to the 33-item questionnaire, anticipation of rejection and feelings of guilt and shame were the major aspects of stigmatization, the level of which correlated significantly with pruritus intensity, stress prior to exacerbation, depressive symptoms and quality of life. In order to decrease the stigmatization level in patients with psoriasis, greater effort is needed to raise awareness in contemporary societies that psoriasis is not contagious, but is a disease like many other chronic conditions.
Subject(s)
Pruritus/psychology , Psoriasis/psychology , Quality of Life/psychology , Social Stigma , Stereotyping , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Analysis of Variance , Depression/complications , Depression/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pruritus/complications , Psoriasis/complications , Severity of Illness Index , Statistics, Nonparametric , Stress, Psychological/complications , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between itch and the well-being of patients with psoriasis. In a study of 102 patients with plaque-type psoriasis, pruritus was found in 91 (89.2%) patients during exacerbation of psoriasis. No significant correlation was found between disease severity and the presence and intensity of pruritus. However, pruritus intensity correlated significantly with patients' quality of life, feelings of stigmatization, stress experienced within a period of one month before psoriasis outbreak, and depressive symptoms. In conclusion, pruritus may have a significant negative influence on the psychosocial status of patients with psoriasis. There is a need for the development of effective anti-pruritic treatments in order to improve the well-being of patients with psoriasis.
Subject(s)
Mental Health , Pruritus/psychology , Psoriasis/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antipruritics/therapeutic use , Chronic Disease , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression/etiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Poland , Pruritus/drug therapy , Pruritus/etiology , Psoriasis/complications , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Quality of Life , Severity of Illness Index , Stereotyping , Stress, Psychological/etiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Time Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
Although trichotillomania is a relatively common disorder no large epidemiological studies are available. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of trichotillomania as identified by Polish dermatologists, and to evaluate the treatment modalities used. A questionnaire was sent to 172 dermatologists; 118 (68.6%) responded. The questions covered demographic data, frequency of trichotillomania and treatments used. During the course of their working lives 68% of respondents had observed at least one patient with trichotillomania and 11% were currently treating such a patient. More than 30% of respondents had observed one or two cases of trichotillomania during the past 5 years, 11% had seen 3-5 cases, 3% had seen 6-10 cases, and 5% had seen more than 10 patients. Of the respondents, 40.7% always and 28.8% often asked for a psychiatric opinion. Dermatologists with more experience more frequently (p < 0.05) obtained a psychiatric opinion. Some dermatologists (15.3%) used their own pharmacological treatment (anxiety-relieving drugs and sedatives). Trichotillomania is a relatively common disorder; however, not all dermatologists are sufficiently prepared to treat it.
