Euthymia and fatigue in patients with psoriasis: Insights from a self-determination theory perspective

Psoriasis affects both physical and psychological health. This study explored how demoralization and the satisfaction or frustration of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and demoralization are related to euthymia and fatigue in psoriasis patients, and how these psychological factors are linked to disease severity. This cross-sectional study of 215 psoriasis patients assessed psychological variables using the Euthymia Scale, Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale, Demoralization Scale-II, FACIT-F, Patient Health Questionnaire-4, and Physician Global Assessment. Lower anxiety and higher satisfaction with autonomy, relatedness, and competence were associated with greater euthymia. Fatigue was associated with autonomy frustration and depression. Lower relatedness satisfaction and higher Meaning and Purpose dimension of demoralization were linked to higher risk of disease severity. Considering basic psychological needs could complement existing treatments for psoriasis.