Psoriasis and depression

Living with a chronic disease can lead to feelings of frustration and anxiety, and that’s completely normal. However, if you suffer from prolonged periods of depression it is not normal and may require intervention. When you’re depressed, it can be hard to find the energy to seek medical attention. But the right treatment is essential and can help stop the suffering.

A survey by the European Federation of Psoriasis Patient Associations (EUROPSO) found that over half of patients with severe psoriasis think their disease is a significant problem in their everyday life.¹⁶

Read the signs

Common signs of depression include:⁹

• • Changes in your appetite and weight (e.g., either a poor appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain)
  • Changes in your sleep pattern (e.g., sleeping too much, not being able to get to sleep, waking up frequently or waking too early)
  • Slowed movement, such as slowed walking, or possibly agitation and restlessness
  • Low sex drive
  • Loss of energy, weakness and extreme fatigue
  • Lack of interest in things that used to satisfy you and an inability to have fun
  • Anxiety
  • Getting upset at even minor things, irritability and unusual hostility
  • Trouble concentrating and making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt and failure
  • A hopelessly bleak outlook
  • Hypochondria or a preoccupation with fears about your health
  • Suicidal thoughts and death wishes – if these occur, seek immediate medical attention

If you experience 5 or more symptoms, you may be depressed and should speak to your doctor as there are many treatments available that may help you.

Impact Questionnaire

Click the impact questionnaire button to complete a short questionnaire on psoriasis and the impact it has on your life. You can also download desktop and iPhone versions of the Psoriasis 360 tools by clicking on the buttons below.