Introduction
Psoriasis is one of the complex conditions that cause itching and dry patches on the skin. Psoriatic lesions appear as reddish, itchy, and raised plaques covering the skin. Since psoriasis is an inflammatory disease developed on the skin, it affects one's personal, sexual, and emotional health. Symptoms of psoriasis are physically uncomfortable and prevent one from doing what one enjoys. This condition may also make one feel isolated and reduce their self-esteem.
People with psoriasis are at a higher risk of certain mental health conditions, including depression. Children, females, and old-aged with psoriasis are more prone to depression than males. Fear of social rejection and self-esteem may cause depression in psoriatic patients. Due to unattractive feelings and frustrations, patients isolate themselves socially and start to live lonely lives, making them depressed and mentally unstable.
What Is the Connection Between Psoriasis and Depression?
Depression in people with psoriasis is more common than in the general population. Depression and psoriasis are both chronic and affect each other indirectly. If there is severe psoriasis, the risk of getting depression will also increase. People living with undiagnosed psoriasis or depression are more in number. Psoriasis most commonly occurs between the age of 15 and 25. During adulthood, depression occurs even in people without psoriasis.
How Does Psoriasis Impact Self-Esteem?
Psoriasis plaques have a direct impact on one's self-esteem or confidence. One may be self-conscious about uncovered areas where psoriasis flares up, like the face and hands. While managing flare-ups, one may need help to prevent them from developing. Triggers can unpredictably lead to symptoms of psoriasis, and the person might feel that the disease has no control over the body. People have negative or false impressions about psoriasis, and living with this disease can be exhausting. Generally, one may get the feeling of being physically unattractive, which results in the feeling of depression and low esteem.
How Does Psoriasis Impact the Quality of Life?
People with psoriasis may have limited physical activity. Depression is one of the most common mental health issues: low mood feelings and loss of interest impact daily activities incorrectly. A life with discomfort and symptoms may make the patients feel embarrassed, leading to avoiding sexual intimacy or spending time with others. People with psoriasis may experience uninterested feelings or dysfunction in their sexual life because of the patches on the skin. People with psoriasis may experience decreased home, work, and school productivity. The flare may get increased by some factors like:
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Smoking.
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Stress.
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Alcohol consumption.
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Certain foods and excess sun exposure.
Following a strict routine and cutting out some favorite foods can reduce one's quality of life. In addition, this may decrease the risk of depression.
What Are the Biological Factors Behind Psoriasis and Depression?
There may be a biological reason behind psoriasis and depression. A relapsing and remitting skin disorder, psoriasis is persistent and inflammatory. Mental health conditions caused by psoriasis may also lead to further worsening of the skin condition since there is an overlap between the biological factors that can cause psoriasis and depression. The cytokines can trigger the inflammation that is linked to both psoriasis.
BDNF (Brain-derived neuropathic factor) is found to be linked with psoriasis. BDNF plays a vital role in mental and neuropathic disorders too. Studies have shown that not only psoriasis leads to depression, but major depression can also lead to psoriasis due to the neurochemical and immunological mechanisms involved.
Additionally, a lack of vitamin D3 has been connected to the pathophysiology of psoriasis and depression. The link between vitamin D3 deficiency and an increase in the level of inflammatory markers explains these markers.
How Can a Psoriasis Patient Overcome Depression?
Each individual has different experiences with depression. Some of the symptoms of depression are:
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Feeling exhausted.
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Changes in the appetite.
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Irritability.
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Sexual dysfunction or lack of interest in sex.
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Weight gain or weight loss.
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The feeling of incompetence and worthlessness.
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Suicidal or intrusive thoughts.
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Frequent crying.
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Headaches.
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Unexplained body pain.
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Muscle pain or cramps (sudden tightening of the muscles).
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Intense sadness.
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Difficulty in sleeping or insomnia.
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Social withdrawal.
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The low energy level and fatigue.
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Trouble concentrating.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately consult a doctor or mental health care professional like a psychiatrist. One can evaluate and treat the negative symptoms affecting the patient's life. One may be asked to complete the health care provider’s questions to assess individual patients' thought patterns and behaviors.
What Are the Tips for Managing Psoriasis Patients With Depression?
Researches are ongoing to learn more about treating psoriasis in people with depression. Changing the way one can manage psoriasis may improve one's mental health. Biological medications that reduce inflammation can relieve symptoms of psoriasis. Unknown improvements for depression are seen while under medicines for the symptoms of psoriasis. One should choose the right treatment plan with the proper medications to improve the psoriasis symptoms. The treatment options for depression include:
- Medications: Medication is combined with psychotherapy to improve the results. Antidepressants should be taken for weeks or as specified by the physician until symptoms improve.
- Psychotherapy: Counseling or psychotherapeutic options include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This type of talking therapy focuses on short-term, problem-focused skill development in emotions, thoughts, environment, behavior, and physiology. The therapy helps one identify their negative behavioral pattern and thoughts and helps to reframe them more positively.
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Family Therapy: Family therapy session helps in positive communication between the family members.
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Group Therapy: Group therapy sessions include peer group interactions that help understand each other's experiences.
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Interpersonal Therapy: Interpersonal therapy helps in analyzing interpersonal relationships.
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Other Techniques:
Other actions that can reduce depression in psoriasis patients include:
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Regular exercise.
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Healthy diet.
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Good sleep.
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One-to-one programs.
Conclusion:
There is a strong link between psoriasis skin condition and depression. If patients have psoriasis and believe they have depression, they can speak with their doctor about their treatment options. In order to reframe things more favorably, counseling can assist a person in discovering their negative behavioral patterns and ideas. It may help in controlling and preventing the condition of the disease. In addition, treating psoriasis may improve depression symptoms.
