Psychodermatological aspects of psoriasis, current condition of problem

The necessity to highlight the issues of psychodermatology is justified by the fact that patients with some dermatological diseases have increased risk of psychiatric disorders. Patients with psoriasis are prone to developing depression and anxious disorders not only due to society stigmatization, but also as a result of systemic inflammatory response associated with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. This axis provides a link between psoriasis and psychiatric disorders. It is remarkable, that high levels of TNFα and IL-6, which may lead to the onset or progression of psoriasis, have been found in patients with depression and without any inflammatory disorder. Patients with psoriasis have a high risk of suicide. Low self-esteem, guilt, shame, reticence, social isolation greatly reduce their quality of lives. The prevalence of psoriasis among children is 2%, that explain the necessity to highlight the issues of psychiatric health in this group of patients. The life quality of family members caring for a child with psoriasis should be taken into account as symptoms of the disease, problems with integration into society and necessity of regular medication use can also cause psychological stress in relatives. Currently, physicians may use pharmacotherapy, in particular genetically engineered biological and psychotropic drugs as well as psychotherapeutic techniques to treat patients with psoriasis and depression or anxiety. It is necessary to improve the specialized approach towards this cohort of patients as well as to develop interdisciplinary recommendations and raise awareness of dermatovenereologists.