STOCKHOLM, October 29, 2022 /CNW/ — It’s World Psoriasis Day October 29thth. Each year, the global psoriasis community unites to take action to raise awareness of the disease. This year’s theme is Mental Health.
1 in 10 people with psoriasis will be diagnosed with clinical depression.[1] Up to 48% suffer from anxiety.[2] The psychological burden is increasingly recognized as an essential part of living with this disease.
In fact, there are many logical reasons why psoriasis triggers depression and anxiety. People who experience this chronic, visible disease often struggle with stigma and shame. The symptoms can be seen as unsightly, and many mistakenly assume the disease is contagious. Pain and discomfort is another daily struggle for those with itchy skin or joint inflammation. Additional healthcare expenditure combined with reduced earnings due to disability and discrimination further contribute to financial stress. Unpredictable flares keep people on constant alert. For all these reasons and more, 81% report that psoriasis affects relationships, intimacy and ultimately happiness.[3]
However, external factors are not the only cause of depression and anxiety in psoriasis. In fact, the same inflammation that causes psoriasis can also cause endogenous depression and anxiety. Because of this, people with psoriasis often report feeling trapped in a vicious cycle. Psoriasis disease causes depression and anxiety. Anxiety and depression, in turn, make psoriasis worse.
On World Psoriasis Day 2022, IFPA, the global organization fighting the disease of psoriasis, is joining forces to take collective action to improve the mental health of everyone living with the condition.
Frida Dunger-JohnssonExecutive Director of IFPA, states: “When dermatologists and rheumatologists recognize that their patients’ suffering goes deeper than the physical symptoms, they should be empowered to provide help. In some cases…
