Japanese patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis show distinct personality profiles

Abstract

Personality and emotional factors are supposed to influence the course of skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Few reports exist, however, showing distinct personality traits among patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis patients and healthy controls. The aim of the present study was to examine personality differences among psoriasis patients, atopic dermatitis patients and healthy controls in Japan. A total number of 51 psoriasis patients, 97 atopic dermatitis patients and 48 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Questionnaires of Yatabe-Guilford Personality Inventory were administered individually. These groups were evaluated by 12 dimensions of temperaments. According to the dimension scores, personality was defined as five groups. Atopic dermatitis patients showed significantly higher scores regarding temperaments of depression, feelings of inferiority, nervousness and lack of objectivity than psoriasis patients. Regarding a temperament of cyclic tendency and lack of cooperativeness, female atopic dermatitis patients showed significantly higher scores than female psoriasis patients. Regarding general activity, female atopic dermatitis patients showed significantly lower scores than those of female psoriasis patients. No significant difference in scores of temperaments of lack of agreeableness, rhathymia, thinking extraversion, ascendance and social extraversion were detected among psoriasis patients, atopic dermatitis patients and healthy controls. The personalities of male psoriasis patients were significantly different from those of atopic dermatitis patients and healthy controls. Female psoriasis patients showed a significantly different personality profile from that of atopic dermatitis patients, but not from healthy controls. Japanese psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients show distinct personality profiles suggesting that specific a psychosomatic approach may be required during the treatment.

Increased risk of major depression subsequent to a first-attack and non-infection caused urticaria in adolescence: a nationwide population-based study

“…In addition to only treat the urticarial symptoms, we suspect that the altered physical appearance (caused by recurrent rashes) and limited social activities (avoiding exercise and skin contact that might increase pruritus) might further contribute to the depressive mood of adolescents. Life stresses, including poor quality of life, social phobia, severe itching, and sleep disturbances, are usually present in most adult patients who have suffered from certain prolonged dermatologic diseases [7,8,17]. However, the association between dermatologic diseases and psychologic problems in adolescents has not been thoroughly addressed.…”

“…One previous study reported that 43% of adult patients with urticarial dermographism experienced an impact on their quality of life and psychosocial stress [7]. Other specific dermatologic disorders have also been reported to be risk factors for the development of psychiatric problems in adulthood [6-8,17]. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis can result in personality changes or depressive symptoms because of sleep disturbances or health-related impairment to quality of life [6,17].…”

“…Other specific dermatologic disorders have also been reported to be risk factors for the development of psychiatric problems in adulthood [6-8,17]. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis can result in personality changes or depressive symptoms because of sleep disturbances or health-related impairment to quality of life [6,17]. Similarly, urticaria in adults has been reported to increase the likelihood of anxiety and depression [8] However, the relationship between psychiatric problems and pediatric non-infection caused urticaria is unclear.…”

Comparison of Personality Traits among Patients with Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Stress: A Pilot Study

“…A deeper understanding of the patient's psychology and stress perception is crucial to offer patients appropriate disease management. To this end, larger sample sizes are warranted, while also exploring the differences between Pso and AD as well -as suggested by Takahashi et al [11]. In-depth exploration of these differences through qualitative research would also allow us to better under-stand the implications of personality traits in order to improve the design of educational programs.…”

The associations between personality traits, education, occupation and the occurrence of eczema in adulthood

“…Eczema has, however, been noted to have a distinct psychological and personality profile from other dermatological and atopical conditions (Takahashi et al, 2013;Takahashi et al, 2012;Mizara et al, 2012;Bahmer et al, 2007;Scheich et al, 1993).…”