Frequency of depression and anxiety disorders in Psoriatic patients

Background: It seems that psychological factors have important role in beginning or exacerbation of psoriasis. On the other hand, psoriasis negatively impacts quality of lives of the patients. Objective: To determine the frequency of depression and anxiety disorders in psoriatic patients. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive study we evaluated 83 psoriatic patients referred to dermatologic clinics in Isfahan from 1379 to 1380. Beck and zoonge questionnaires were completed by the patients to evaluate depression and anxiety, respectively. Analysis of data was done by SPSS program with 95% confidence interval. Results: The frequency of depression in the patients was 69.9%. The most common type of depression was “Relative depression” (26.5%). The frequency of anxiety in psoriatic patients was 20.5%. These figures are higher than that reported in general population in Isfahan. Conclusion: The frequencies of depression and anxiety disorders in psoriatic patients were higher than general population. There was a direct correlation between the duration of disease and the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders.