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What patients with psoriasis believe about their condition
D G Fortune1, H L Richards, C J Main
1Section of Dermatology, University of Manchester School of Medicine, Hope Hospital, Salford, United Kingdom.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|August 15, 1998
Summary
Patient beliefs about psoriasis, including perceived causes and treatment expectations, do not correlate with disease severity. Understanding these perceptions is key for patient adjustment to their condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychology
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Patient beliefs about their condition are crucial for adjustment.
- Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease affecting millions worldwide.
- Understanding patient perceptions is vital for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate patient beliefs regarding psoriasis.
- Examine the link between these beliefs and clinical severity.
- Analyze relationships with symptom reporting and demographic factors.
Main Methods:
- 162 psoriasis patients (84 male, 78 female) completed the Illness Perception Questionnaire.
- Assessed beliefs about causes, consequences, chronicity, controllability, and symptoms.
- Correlated beliefs with clinical severity, symptom report, and demographics.
Main Results:
- Stress (60.1%) and genetics (55.5%) were common perceived causes; genetic belief linked to family history (P=.0001).
- 46% believed behavior impacts psoriasis; 32% thought treatment would be curative.
- High frequency of desquamation (80%) and pruritus (76%) reported.
- No association found between beliefs and overall clinical severity or symptom report.
Conclusions:
- Patient beliefs about psoriasis are not determined by the disease's clinical severity.
- Symptoms experienced by patients are independent of clinical severity.
- Further research needed to explore factors influencing patient beliefs and adjustment.