A study of sexual functioning and depression in male psoriasis patients

Introduction: Psoriasis is a recurring, cutaneous- articular, chronic inflammatory disease, resulting from immune and proliferative changes that affect the skin and mucosa. The worldwide incidence is 1-3% and the majority of the patients also have emotional difficulties like anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. These issues along with the extent of body surface area affected have an impact on the quality of life, in particular, the sexual life. Aim: To assess the sexual function of males with psoriasis and to study the relation of different variables with sexual functioning. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 4 months duration was carried out among male patients with psoriasis who attended the dermatology department at a tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh. Male Patients with any form of psoriasis aged between 25-55yrs diagnosed by the dermatologist and willing to give written informed consent were subjected to study tools like Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), International Index of Erectile Function scale (IIEF) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Results: 85% prevalence was noted for both depression and sexual dysfunction among patients with Psoriasis and very significant correlations i.e. p Conclusion: High prevalence of sexual dysfunction and depressive disorder was noted in the study subjects and the result of this study gives an idea about the importance of screening for sexual and psychological disorders in patients suffering from psoriasis. Keywords: Psoriasis, Sexual dysfunction, Depression, PASI, IIEF, HAM-D.