Personality disorders in psoriatic patients

Considering the high role of psychological factors in somatic disorders, especially in dermatologic disorders, the prevalence of personality disorders in psoriatic patients was studied. Among patients referred to Dermatology Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil, 81 patients with psoriasis (case group) and 80 without skin disease (control group) were evaluated. The two groups were matched in terms of age and sex. The severity of psoriasis was determined based on the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) index as mild, moderate and severe by the dermatologist. The traits and personality disorders were assessed and compared between two groups using MCMI-III questionnaire. There was a significant difference in depressive, dependent, obsessive and hystrionic personality traits or disorders between two groups. There was a reverse correlation between the severity were more common psoriasis and obsessive and dependent personality disorders, so they among mild and moderate psoriasis patients. This study emphasized the role of psychological factors in course of psoriasis. Better strategies for prevention and treatment of psoriasis will be achieved by a careful examination of the behavioral, cognitive and emotional patterns of cluster C personality. It is also necessary to provide psychotherapy services to these patients along with drug therapy.