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Psoriasis can cause embarrassment and anxiety in people. The psoriasis sufferer feels resentment and is forced to withdraw from society. With the appearance of psoriasis, the patient feels the stress and anxiety.

Psychological issues are always present after a psoriasis diagnosis. A study in the International journal of Molecular Sciences found that 46% of psoriasis sufferers were diagnosed as having social anxiety, while 38% were also diagnosed with depression.

Despite the fact that scientists don’t know for sure if psoriasis is linked to social anxiety, certain studies show a link between psoriasis symptoms and mental health. Genetics is the cause of psoriasis. It is an inflammatory, proliferative skin disease. Psychological stress has been shown to aggravate the condition.

Stress is a major factor in the development and progression of psoriasis. According to a study conducted with psoriatics, 60% said that stress is a cause of their psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a two-edged blade. Stress can worsen the psoriasis. Psoriatics often report feeling stressed and anxious due to the social stigma and cosmetic disfigurement that comes with it. This then causes their psoriasis.

A second study revealed that the age of an individual at the time psoriasis first appeared can have a major impact on mental health issues such as depression and social anxiety. People who developed psoriasis prior to the age of eighteen years were more likely to experience social anxiety due stigmatization. People with psoriasis who are older than 18 experience social anxiety due to their disease’s impact on their appearance. This in turn affects their self-worth.

What Is the Relationship Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Psoriasis?

The social anxiety disorder, or social phobia as it is also called, causes anxiety and fear when social interactions are involved. People with psoriasis who also suffer from social anxiety are more likely to shy away from social events, friends or family.

The National Institute of Mental Health has identified the following signs of social anxiety:

. Social gatherings should be avoided

. Fear of judgement

. Fearful feeling

. Feeling self-conscious and embarrassed in public

. Physical symptoms include trembling, blushing and an accelerated pulse.

. Eye contact should be avoided

. Speak in a weak voice

. Fear of people

National Psoriasis Foundation states that prolonged stress may increase psoriasis itchiness and severity.

It can be embarrassing for a person with psoriasis to attend public events due to the visible scar. The fear of ridicule is a common one. A person who avoids socializing for a long time may develop depression, self-isolation, and social anxiety. It can create a cycle of anxiety and mental stress that snowballs into bigger issues if you don’t intervene at the right moment. This spirals out of control into mental anxiety, and then a psychological problem.

Psoriasis can develop into anxiety, according to research. In turn, anxiety can worsen psoriasis symptoms. According to the APA, anxiety is defined as excessive and persistent worry that won’t go away despite there being no cause.

When to seek emotional health help and how to manage it

Psoriasis patients are frequently avoided or treated with discrimination by the public. It is therefore important to educate the public about psoriasis and the psychological effects it has on patients. It is possible to treat it with therapies. Group therapy and family counselling are two interventions that help those with psoriasis build a network of friends and family to support them and give motivation.

CBT is an effective treatment for co-occurring mental and psoriasis issues. It promotes a positive outlook and a better way of thinking. CBT focuses also on changing the behavior pattern of the patients.

Contact us immediately if you, or someone close to you is suffering from a co-occurring condition or are looking for treatment for anxiety disorders . Early intervention in treatment can help you achieve long-term recovery.