Evaluation of Self-Esteem Status and Common Psychiatric Conditions in Psoriasis Patients Before and After Treatment with Biological Drugs

 Skin diseases have many negative effects on self-esteem and quality of life. Psoriasis has several psychological and social impacts on self-esteem. This study was performed to compare the effects of psoriasis on Self-Esteem Status before and after the treatment with biological drugs.

 In this prospective cross-sectional descriptive study, patients with psoriasis referred to two hospitals in Tehran, Iran, were studied. Demographic data were recorded, and disease information was collected through the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. The self-esteem status was determined using the standardized Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Eysenck questionnaires. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation and t-score tests. 

 The severity of the disease decreased significantly after treatment with biological drugs. Scores related to depression, anxiety, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, morbid anxiety, paranoid thoughts, and psychosis decreased after treatment. Self-esteem increased after treatment. The more severe the disease, the less the patients’ self-esteem increased after treatment with biologic drugs (p<0.000). According to the Eysenck measurement index, people with higher socioeconomic levels significantly increase self-esteem after treatment with biological drugs. According to the General Symptom Index (GSI), socioeconomic status has no significant effect on self-esteem.

 Treatment of psoriasis patients with biologics can reduce the severity of their disease and improve mental disorders in these patients. This treatment also increases their self-esteem and generally improves their quality of life of these patients.