Uncovering the Emotional and Mental Impact of Psoriatic Disease

This briefing will include Cyndi Lauper, pop icon and spokeswoman for "I'm PsO Ready," a national initiative driven by NPF and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation to highlight the physical, emotional and social challenges of psoriasis. The briefing will also include NPF medical board member, board-certified dermatologist and clinical psychologist Dr. Richard Fried of Yardley Dermatology and Yardley Clinical Research Associates.

In addition to dealing with the physical suffering and an increased risk of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, many patients struggle with depression and a reduced quality of life due to the social stigma associated with psoriatic disease.

Recent studies have found that those living with psoriasis have a 39 percent increased risk of being diagnosed with depression than those without the disease[1]. Those with a combination of both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis suffer higher rates of anxiety and depression than those with psoriasis alone[2].

For many, treating their disease is the first step in reducing the risk of depression and improving overall quality of life. However, lack of access, lack of appropriate diagnosis, and lack of resources to get medication limit many patients from treating their disease. Congress can help address these issues by removing barriers that are making it hard for patients to treat their disease.

"The goal of this briefing is to ask Congress to support initiatives that provide better access for patients to effectively treat their disease, said Randy Beranek, president of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "By addressing the significant impact psoriatic disease has on patients' overall quality of life, we are getting closer to achieving our goal of dramatically improving health outcomes for all with psoriatic disease."

For more information about psoriatic disease, visit www.psoriasis.org and http://www.moretopsoriasis.com/index.jsp

About the National Psoriasis Foundation
National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our priority is to provide the services people need to take control of their condition, while increasing research to find a cure. In addition to serving more than 2.1 million people annually through our health education and advocacy initiatives, NPF has funded more than $13 million in research grants and fellowships. Learn more about the Psoriasis Foundation at www.psoriasis.org or call 800-723-9166. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

[1] Arch Dermatol. 2010 Aug; 146(8):891-5. doi: 10.1001/archdermatol.2010.186.
The risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in patients with psoriasis: a population-based cohort study.
Kurd SK¹, Troxel AB, Crits-Christoph P, Gelfand JM.                                      

[2] J Rheumatol. 2014 May; 41(5):887-96. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.130797. Epub 2014 Apr 1.
Depression and anxiety in psoriatic disease: prevalence and associated factors.
McDonough E¹, Ayearst R, Eder L, Chandran V, Rosen CF, Thavaneswaran A, Gladman DD.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160419/357184

SOURCE National Psoriasis Foundation

Related Links

http://www.psoriasis.org