Psoriasis and neurodermatitis: comparing psychopathology, quality of life and coping mechanisms

Abstract

Background: Both psoriasis and neurodermatitis patients report psychological distress and impaired quality of life, but how they cope with it is area of interest. The objective of this study was to study and compare psychopathology, quality of life and coping mechanism in psoriasis and neurodermatitis patients.Methods: 30 cases each of psoriasis and neurodermatitis were assessed at dermatology out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital by using Symptom check list -90-Revised (SCL-90-R), dermatological life quality index (DLQI) and Brief cope scale (BCS).Results: All Patients with neurodermatitis perceived it as a problem and in psoriasis it was 90%.The quality of life (QOL) was affected in both more in neurodermatitis as compared with psoriasis. Neurodermatitis showed significant psychopathology on SCL-90-Rin parameters of interpersonal sensitivity and Psychoticism. Depression, Anxiety, Somatisation, Obsessive-compulsiveness were seen in both groups. Self-blame, religion, positive-reframing were used commonly as coping mechanisms in neurodermatitis while in psoriasis there was acceptance, active coping, planning, and self-distraction, use of emotional and instrumental support, positive-reframing.Conclusions: Quality of life is significantly lower in neurodermatitis. Psychopathologies were significantly high in neurodermatitis. Maladaptive coping styles were used in both groups.