Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Psoriasis is best described as a complex, multifactorial and inflammatory disease. The present study was conducted to assess psychiatric morbidity in patients with psoriasis. Materials & Methods: 72 patients of psoriasis of both genders were enrolled in this study. Punch biopsy of skin was done, wherever necessary. Psychiatric evaluation was done by a psychiatrist. Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D) was recorded. Results: Out of 72, males were 30 and females were 42. The site was scalp in 23, upper limb in 20, lower limb in 17, trunk in 4, sole in 5 and palm in 3 cases. Type was palmo plantar psoriasis in 7, scalp psoriasis in 22, flexural psoriasis in 5 and psoriasis vulgaris in 38 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). HAM- D showed normal in 40, mild in 16, moderate in 12, severe in 4. Conclusion: Psoriatic patients experienced multiple stressful life events preceding the onset of illness.