Psychosocial burden and body mass index are associated with dermatology-related quality of life in psoriasis patients

Background Scientific evidence indicates that inflammatory processes may be involved in the progression of both psoriasis and depression via elevated peripheral proinflammatory cytokines. Objectives The aim of our study was to assess the association among psychological burden, depressive symptoms and proinflammatory mediators in psoriasis patients. Materials and Methods Forty psoriasis patients were recruited from the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen. In addition to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), mental and physical health were explored using different questionnaires. Furthermore, proinflammatory cytokines were analysed. Results Patients in the high PASI group showed reduced Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), higher body mass index (BMI), elevated CRP levels as well as impaired physical aspects of quality of life. Regression analyses revealed that somatic and anxiety symptoms accounted for more than 32% of the variance in DLQI, independent of PASI and cytokine levels. Conclusion The data indicate somatic and anxiety symptoms, as well as BMI, to be closely linked to dermatology-related quality of life.