Psoriasis is a chronic disease that causes unsightly rashes to appear on the skin. The sores, which can bleed or weep, can cover large areas of skin. Itching and pain can occur with the rash and a specific form of arthritis can develop.
Embarrassment
In moderate to severe cases of psoriasis, silvery flakes of skin that shed at a rapid rate cover the affected patches of skin. While the condition is not contagious, it appears unsightly and can become a source of embarrassment. Other psycho-emotional responses suffers may have include feel self-conscious and have a feeling of helplessness.
Depression
The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis. Of those, as many as 24 percent of those with moderate to severe psoriasis report depression in conjunction with the disease.
Anger and Frustration
Psoriasis often develops in young people, with the majority of illnesses first occurring between the ages of 15 and 25. The National Psoriasis Foundation study found that 84 percent of patients between the ages of 20 and 39 reported feelings of anger and frustration with the disease.
Emotional Well Being
Enjoyment of life is one factor impacted by the disease. In one study reported by the Musculoskeletal Network, 72 percent of Asian, Latin and African-Americans reported that psoriasis limits their ability to enjoy life. In the same study, 62 percent of white patients reported impaired emotional well being.
Mortality
While psoriasis does not directly cause death, those with the disease often have life-threatening accompanying diseases and disorders. Those with the disease present a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and stroke independent of other risk factors. Additionally, those with severe psoriasis have a 50 percent greater chance of dying prematurely than others. These associated risks place a huge psychological burden on sufferers.
