Stress reactivity in psoriatic patients

Aim. This investigation aims at evaluating the correlation between stressful life events, as those listed in the Social Readjustment Social Scale (SRRS), and the onset of the disease in psoriatic patients, as well as investigating on the existence of specific personality traits. Methods. A group of 33 patients affected by moderate-severe stable plaque psoriasis has been interviewed; all of them were offered to fill in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), so that 30 tests could be validated (15 men and 15 women). Results. The MMPI-2 results exhibited different profiles between the 2 genders: as to men, significant statistic differences were to be found in scales displaying irritability and anger, while women appeared to be affected by anxiety, depression and somatization. As a result of these clinical interviews, a psychological support based on the cognitive therapy has also been offered to 26 patients and 2 different types of patients have been singled out: a first group reporting intolerance to adverse environmental situations, a second group complaining for insufficient affective and social support. Conclusion. Our data, collected by means of clinical interviews and questionnaires, seem to confirm the correlation between the somatic aspect of the disease and the protective function of the skin against the outer world. These elements are fundamental to the psychosomatic interpretation of this chronic-relapsing dermatosis, which often poses a threat for the bodily self-image of each patient.