The link between psoriasis and depression

Psoriasis symptoms can have serious mental health effects. People with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing depression.
Depression occurs at the same time as psoriasis, the two conditions have an interrelationship. Psoriasis is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 25 years, so the incidence of depression is higher.

2.1 Affects self-esteem Psoriasis leaves the patient in a state of anxiety, fear, and shame. Red, scaly patches are difficult to conceal, especially in the summer, leaving them embarrassed about skin conditions. In the long run, this will affect psychology.

People around may misunderstand psoriasis as a contagious disease and will alienate or stigmatize the sick person. Surveys show that 1 in 5 people with psoriasis have faced stigma and sometimes feel unwelcome because of the disease.
People with psoriasis suffer a lot of discomfort. The scaly patches cause itching, cracking, and bleeding. Up to 42% of people with psoriasis experience swollen, painful joints from psoriatic arthritis. Living with these unpleasant symptoms can make a person vulnerable to depression.
2.2 Affect quality of life The unpleasant symptoms of psoriasis make the patient limit physical activity, shy away from communication or avoid intimate contact such as sex. In fact, a 2018 study found that more than 60% of people with psoriasis may experience some form of sexual dysfunction. In addition, a study from 2007 indicates that at least 80% of people with psoriasis have reduced productivity at work or school.
To limit the triggers that cause psoriasis, patients should limit or avoid: tobacco, stress, alcohol, sunlight and some foods.
2.3 Biological factors Psoriasis also affects your brain chemistry. With psoriasis, immune cells release substances called cytokines. These cause skin cells to grow out of control and form scaly patches. They also change the levels of chemicals in the brain that affect mood.

Each patient will have different signs of depression. However, below are the symptoms that the majority of people are likely to experience.
Irritability, fatigue Sleeping more than usual or trouble sleeping Difficulty sleeping or insomnia Changes in appetite Loss of interest in sex or sexual dysfunction Weight loss or gain Feeling incompetent Yes thoughts of hurting yourself or committing suicide Not finding joy in activities you once enjoyed Crying often Headaches Unexplained body aches or cramps. Not having an appetite or feeling hungrier than usual Unable to concentrate or pay attention Having trouble going to work or school If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor or psychiatrist to get advice. Doctors can assess your condition and treat symptoms that are negatively affecting your quality of life. Especially if you have ever had thoughts of suicide or bodily harm.

When experiencing any symptoms of depression, you should not be subjective and ignore it. Because they can affect your quality of life. The best way is to see your doctor to get the best treatment. Finding the right medications to improve psoriasis symptoms can help relieve depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another way to manage the feeling psoriasis can bring. CBT helps change negative thoughts that make you depressed.
Psoriasis and depression can be improved if the patient is always optimistic and persistent with the treatment methods.
Any questions that need to be answered by a specialist doctor as well as if you need to be examined and treated at Vinmec International General Hospital, please book an appointment on the website for the best service.

Articles refer to sources: webmd.com, healthline.com, psoriasis.org
MORE:
Psoriasis treatment options Genetic factors in atopic dermatitis Psoriasis is difficult to definitively treat