Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in terms of psychosomatic effects

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the review of research into the psychological functioning of children and adults suffering from chronic diseases, with particular emphasis on psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. We have reviewed the scientific articles available in research databases on the topic: psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in terms of psychosomatic effects. It was found that psoriasis and atopic dermatitis interfere with patients’ most vital processes and negatively affect their immediate vicinity. They cause changes in the somatic, mental and social functioning of the patient. Frequently, they also cause a change in behaviour and negatively affect the quality of patients’ lives. Patients with severe psoriasis have an increased risk of death due to circulatory system diseases, cancer, chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract, diabetes, dementia, infections and kidney diseases. Atopic dermatitis is correlated and may predispose to an increased risk of other atopic disorders, including asthma, hay fever, food allergies, and eosinophilic oesophagitis. It seems that patients with atopic dermatitis are more susceptible to infections and cardiovascular diseases and numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, speech disorders in childhood, headaches and seizures. There is also a multifactor correlation between AD and osteoporosis, injuries, and fractures. Psoriasis is not only associated with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and suicidal ideation, but also with significant cognitive functions impairment. In the case of atopic dermatitis, many authors emphasize the association between the occurrence of this skin disease and cognitive impairment, including reduced attention, visual and verbal memory, executive functions and abstract thinking.