Living With Severe Psoriasis Can Affect Every Aspect Of Life

Main Category: Eczema / Psoriasis
Also Included In: Dermatology
Article Date: 29 Oct 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Findings from a national survey Psoriasis Uncovered, show that for those with the most severe1 form of the condition, psoriasis has an irreversible effect on one in two patients' lives.1 Launching on World Psoriasis Day, the results of the survey organised by Abbott and supported by the Psoriasis Association, show that of people with the most severe form of psoriasis:

- One in five say that their psoriasis contributed towards the loss of a job or resignation1

- One in four believe that their psoriasis has caused an intimate relationship to end1

- 43% of those surveyed said that psoriasis has prevented them from making new friends1

- 83% express dissatisfaction with their current treatment1

The online survey was carried out in 17 countries, including the UK. Seeking to uncover patient experiences behind this skin condition, the results demonstrate that psoriasis is a serious disease with a significant and long-lasting impact on people's lives - far greater than previously appreciated. Psoriasis has the greatest life impact on the most severe patients and young people in terms of their confidence, drive, self-esteem, aspiration, enjoyment of life, enthusiasm and general mental health.1 These results may in part be explained by dissatisfaction with current treatment.1

Ensuring that there is agreement between patients and healthcare professionals about what is expected of treatment may be important to effectively managing the condition. Interestingly research shows that there is a discrepancy between the focus of dermatologists on observable criteria of effectiveness and patients' more subjective concerns.2

1 Severe form is categorised by patients defining their psoriasis as very active or extremely active

"Psoriasis Uncovered has given us some valuable insights into patients' experience of living with psoriasis in the United Kingdom. Many people with psoriasis are able to manage their condition with minimal life disruption, but there is a significant number who can find the condition to be extremely distressing and isolating, impacting their work, social and personal lives," said Gladys Edwards from The Psoriasis Association.

Psoriasis affects 2% of the population or just over 1 million people.3 The most common form of psoriasis is called "plaque psoriasis", which occurs as a result of skin cells being produced too quickly. The condition is unpredictable and can vary in its severity from a few pinpoint lesions to large scaly patches, or plaques.

Plaque psoriasis can affect any part of the body, although the elbows, knees and the scalp are the most common sites.4 The Psoriasis Uncovered survey supports the view that the condition may negatively affect quality of life.5

"Psoriasis can have a serious impact on patients' quality of life and greatly affect their overall happiness. Earlier appropriate intervention to improve how psoriasis is managed can be key to reducing its long-term impact on patients' lives," said Professor Christopher Griffiths, of The University of Manchester.

For information about the survey, go to http://www.psoriasisuncovered.co.uk

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 72,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

References

1. Online survey of 1700 psoriasis patients. Abbott Laboratories data on file: RM16063. August, 2009.

2. Ersser SJ, et al. What criteria do patients use when judging the effectiveness of psoriasis management? J Eval Clin Pract 2002;8:367-76

3. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Etanercept and efalizumab for the treatment of adults with psoriasis. Technology Appraisal Guidance TA103. Published, July 2006.

4. National Institute for Health and Clinical. Final Appraisal Determination: Adalimumab for the treatment of adults with psoriasis. Available at http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/Finalscope240707.pdf. Accessed January 2009. Published, April 2008

5. Kimball et al. The psychosocial burden of psoriasis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2005;6(6):383-392

Source
The Psoriasis Association

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