BACKGROUND -Psychosocial aspects are the current focus of research on chronic dermatoses. These aspects may contribute to exacerbation of psoriasis in 40 to 80% of cases, thus having great impact on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVES -This study aims to assess coping strategies and to identify stress levels of patients with psoriasis. METHODS -This is a cross-sectional study of a sample of 115 patients, which included 61 patients with psoriasis and 54 patients with other chronic dermatoses as controls. Instruments: The Ways of Coping Questionnaire and the Lipp Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults. RESULTS -The coping strategies of self-control (p=0.027) and escape-avoidance (p=0.014) were the most used by patients with psoriasis and both groups present high stress levels (p=0.838). CONCLUSION -Patients with psoriasis use specific coping strategies to deal with their skin disorder when compared to other patients with chronic skin disorders; they also present stress levels as high as the control group. The integration of results enables understanding the special state of mind experienced by psoriasis patients to deal with the condition, thus showing the urgent need to develop broader intervention strategies, which also involve the social and psychic dimensions. INTRODUCTIONChronic skin disorders have currently been assessed considering not only their physical aspect but also the related psychosocial issues. Both emotional and social factors have been taken into account by investigators with a multidisciplinary approach to health issues. Psychoneuroimmunology has also contributed to understanding diseases with a multidimensional focus. Psoriasis, one of the most disabling skin conditions, may be considered suitable for this approach that puts equal weight on the physical, psychological and social impairments.Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects approximately 3% of world population, both men and women, and its onset occurs in the second or third decades of life. This dermatosis is caused by the interaction of genetic (polygenic inheritance), environmental and psychological factors.
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