A Cross-sectional Study on Prevalence of Psychiatric Comorbidities and Quality of Life in Patients with Psoriasis in a Tertiary Healthcare Center in Goa

Background: The link between psoriasis and psychiatric disorders is crucial due to their bidirectional relationship and shared biological mechanisms. Due to the chronicity, psoriasis often leads to psychological distress and exacerbation of conditions such as depression and anxiety, while stress and emotional factors can trigger psoriasis flares. The visible nature of psoriasis lesions can cause social stigma, embarrassment, and negative body image, which may exacerbate psychiatric symptoms. This interplay can have an impact on treatment outcomes, necessitating a comprehensive approach to care that addresses both physical and psychological components, thereby enhancing overall well-being and quality of life (QoL) for people affected. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to collect and study the sociodemographic profile of patients with psoriasis in a tertiary care hospital and to estimate common psychiatric comorbidities in them. The study also aims to assess the severity of psoriasis and QoL of individuals living with psoriasis using standardized assessment tools. Subsequently, the correlation between the severity of psoriasis symptoms and the presence of psychiatric comorbidities and their combined effect on QoL was assessed. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris who presented to the dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital in Goa between July 2023 and December 2023 using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the MINI plus scale, the WHOQOL scale, and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scale. Results: Nearly half of the patients in the study experienced psychiatric comorbidities. The study revealed significant correlations between psychiatric comorbidities and QoL in all domains, including physical, psychological, social, and environmental. In addition, associations were observed between psychiatric comorbidities and current illness status. Conclusion: Psoriasis impacts all aspects of a person’s QoL and increases the likelihood of acquiring a psychiatric disease, further lowering the affected person’s QoL.