Psychodermatological mechanisms of psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic disease, mediated by the human immune system, based on a polygenic vulnerability, with cutaneous and systemic manifestations and substantial negative effects on the quality of life of patients. The physical and psychological impacts of psoriasis affect all areas of patient's functioning. Likewise, the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with psoriasis is significantly higher than that in the general population, and the quality of life is lower when compared to patients with different dermatological conditions. Both anxiety and depression may increase the clinical severity of psoriasis. Although psychiatric disorders in patients with psoriasis may be secondary to the stress due to the shame and social anxiety related to the skin lesions, the high rate of comorbidity has led to hypothesize that there may be common pathophysiological (psychodermatological) mechanisms involved. Inflammation is a key factor, since alterations in inflammatory modulators such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system have been described. This narrative review of the literature highlights the psychodermatological aspects of the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis as well as the impact of illness on patients' personal identity, functioning, and professional, social, and family areas.