The Evolution of Mental Health in Patients with Psoriasis during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health on a sample of 37 patients with psoriasis in Brăila County. Methods: A cross-sectional study on a sample of 37 patients with psoriasis was conducted by questionnaires e-mailed to patients. The study was conducted between November 20th, 2020 - January 15th, 2021. Mental health was measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Assessment Scale (HAS). Data collected on predictors included, but were not limited to, sex, age, background, marital status, level of education, smoking, alcohol consumption, comorbidities, period of self-isolation, severity of psoriasis, and type of treatment for psoriasis.  Results: There were 37 participants included. Factors associated with poor mental health were: place of origin (54% from urban areas), sex (62.1% women), age (67.5% between 65 and 80 years old), period of self-isolation (81% in self-isolation for more than 14 days), comorbidities (75.6% with multiple comorbidities) and form of treatment for psoriasis (48.6% are systemically administered treatment for psoriasis). Conclusions: In this sample of patients with psoriasis from Brăila County who isolate or socially distance themselves, urban patients, women, elderly, those with comorbidities and those who are systemically administered treatment for psoriasis were associated with a high score on the Hamilton anxiety assessment scale. However, we have to admit that our research has some limitations. First, the number of participants included in the study was small. Secondly, we used an online way to conduct the study. Thirdly, we used a self-assessment scale to assess the anxiety symptoms of psoriasis patients, which might have some deviation from the outcome. Looking beyond the current situation, it is essential to evaluate and restructure the way we think about patient’s care.