Psoriasis patient support group and self-care efficacy as an adjunct to day care center treatment

Patients treated with chronic disabling psoriasis often have psychosocial concerns that need to be addressed. The weekly patient support group at Stanford, led by a psychiatrist, is an integral part of the Psoriasis Day Care program. Although not considered group therapy in the traditional sense due to its self-selective nature, the support group aims to reduce feelings of isolation and to enhance coping skills and self-efficacy. In this setting, patients explore their feelings about psoriasis enabling them to better adapt to a visible disease. Common topics for discussion include lifestyle changes, stressful relationships, associated emotional reactions, occupational limitations, and treatment concerns. Components of the Psoriasis Day Care Center that enhance treatment response and responsibility for self-care include: health education, psychosocial support systems, stress reduction, and enhanced coping skills acquired through shared experiences with other patients and medical personnel.