Psychotherapy for Patients With Psoriasis: Effects in Quality of Life

Psychotherapy for Patients With Psoriasis: Effects in Quality of Life

The aim of this study is to determine the benefits of individual psychotherapy on quality of life for people with psoriasis receiving medical treatment versus a control group (awaiting group) treated with medical treatment, without psychotherapy.

Further investigations studies are needed to determine the efficacy of psychological interventions for people with psoriasis. The aim of this study is to determine the benefits of individual psychotherapy on quality of life for people with psoriasis receiving medical treatment versus a control group (awaiting group) treated with medical treatment, without psychotherapy.

This is an experimental randomized trial with control group. Quality of life, symptoms:

pruritus, scaling and pain, distress and the illness will be measured before and after the intervention using psychological and quality of life questionnaires, and dermatological evaluations for 120 subjects.

The investigators expect that the experimental group scores at the end of the psychotherapy program will be less than 4 points in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pruritus, scaling and pain. The Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DQLI) expected to be less than 4 points from the initial score, and the patients are expected to present less than 7 points in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The experimental group scores will be less than the control group for quality of life, symptoms and distress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women at least 18 years old at the time of selection.
• Subjects diagnosed with moderated or severe psoriasis.
• Subjects with a ≥ 10 punctuation in DLQI questionnaire.
• Subjects that are in dermatological treatment.
• Patients should be able to understand and communicate with the investigator.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects suffering from a serious concomitant illness.
• Subjects with a mental illness.
• Subjects who are performing psychiatric treatment.
• Subjects who are performing psychotherapy sessions both individual and group.
• Patients who have alcohol dependence or drug abuse.
• Subjects that present legal incapacity or limited legal capacity.
• Subjects presenting illiteracy or language barriers.