International Study Highlights Need to Support Patients With Psoriasis Suffering Feelings of Isolation, Stigmatisation and Anxiety

News provided by

LEO Pharma

30 Sep, 2012, 17:13 IST

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, September 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

  • LEO Pharma has conducted the first truly large scale international study informed by both qualitative and quantitative data to investigate the impact of psoriasis
  • The findings reveal that feelings of restriction, isolation, stigmatisation and anxiety are associated with a high impact on patients' lives; and are more important than diagnosed symptom severity

Data from the Burden of Psoriasis patient research were presented this weekend at the 21st EADV Congress in Prague, Czech Republic. The results from the research, which included a quantitative online survey completed by 3,822 patients with psoriasis, showed 73% of patients surveyed scored their psoriasis as having a moderate to high impact on their lives[1].

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People living with psoriasis experience flare-ups that can result in the appearance of thick, red, scaly skin lesions on any part of their body[2]. The skin is often sore and itchy [2],[ 3], but the current study emphasizes that the psychological impact of psoriasis can have an even greater impact on patients' everyday lives[1].

Factors analysed in the research included the influence of symptom burden, healthcare professional (HCP) relationships, patient factors and the psychosocial impact of psoriasis on how much the patient's psoriasis "dictates how they live their life"[1]. Factors that were most strongly associated dealt with daily activities, stigmatisation, isolation and anxiety. However, diagnosed symptom severity was not a significant indicator[1].

Commenting on the research Dr Anthony Bewley, Whipps Cross University Hospital & Barts & the London NHS Trust, UK, said, "The reality for patients is that the reactions of other people, real or perceived, can make life a real struggle. We need to ensure that we actively question our patients about these issues, and modify management accordingly. We plan further analysis of this comprehensive data set, which we believe will help to individualise care".

"The physical, psychological and social effects of psoriasis can have a serious impact on people's lives," said LEO Pharma President and CEO Gitte P. Aabo. "To give people with psoriasis the best chance of improving their quality of life, we need to address the issues that affect them individually. The Burden of Psoriasis patient research will help healthcare professionals learn more about the impact that psoriasis has on peoples' lives and hence inform and help evolve the way the disease is treated."

References

1.    Bewley A, Ersser S, Hansen M, Pevac C. Psychosocial and symptomatic burden of psoriasis for patients in Europe, the USA and Canada. Abstract presented at: EADV Congress, Prague, 27 - 30 September 2012 (ID number PRA12-0920).

2.    Basavaraj KH, Navya MA, Rashmi R. Stress and quality of life in psoriasis: an update. Int J Dermatol 2011;50:783-92.

3.    A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. Psoriasis. (Accessed May, 2012, at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001470/.)

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