Quality of life issues and measurement in patients with psoriasis

ality of life issues and measurement in patients with psoriasis Review (2115) Total Article Views Authors: Tan X, Feldman SR, Balkrishnan R Published Date February 2012 Volume 2012:2 Pages 13 - 23 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/PTT.S24087 Received: 08 November 2011 Accepted: 24 December 2011 Published: 21 February 2012 Xi Tan1, Steven R Feldman2, Rajesh Balkrishnan1 1Department of Clinical, Social and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; 2Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic immunologic disease characterized by red papules and plaques with a silver colored scale. The impact of psoriasis on patients’ overall quality of life is significant, broad, and deep, including effects on emotional wellbeing, psychological stress, self-esteem, relationship, work, social activities, financial burden, and even physical function. Although there are various measures available for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in research studies, there is no consensus on which measure is best to use in clinical practice or for research comparing different treatments. Choosing treatments based on patients’ specific individual preferences, goal-orientation, and close, attentive cooperation between patients and their doctors may be an effective strategy that can be applied to improve patients’ quality of life.