Four years stability of type D personality in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and its implications for psychological impairment

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a systemic auto-inflammatory disease that is related to an increased risk of organic and psychological comorbidities. Type D is a stable personality trait in healthy subjects but there is no data regarding its stability in patients with moderate-severe psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the stability of type D personality in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis as well as assessing the influence of type D personality on anxiety and depression. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Forty psoriasis patients with type D personality and sixty-six patients with psoriasis without type D personality were included in the study. Participants completed the DS14 test and HADS at baseline and four years later. RESULTS: At baseline, the prevalence of type D personality was 37.7% and at week 208 it was 27.3%. The stability of type D personality was higher in patients with an incomplete education level and in those who were separated/divorced or windowed. During follow-up, 15% of patients developed type D personality. Male sex, having topical treatment, the presence of previous depression, anxiety, and high levels of negative affectivity at baseline increase the risk of developing type D personality. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Sample size, psoriasis severity restricted to moderate and severe and all patients being under treatment for psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of type D personality varies over time in psoriasis patients. Therefore, type D personality is possibly more a state than a trait phenomenon, modified by environmental factors. Type D personality is associated with a higher risk of anxiety.