Psoriasis is one of the most challenging chronic skin disorders and it is accompanied by high levels of psychosocial distress. In order for mental health prevention, early detection and intervention programs to be designed, this research project was focused on measuring illness perception, psychosocial adaptation and mental and physical health in Romanian patients diagnosed with psoriasis.

The total study duration was 12 months and the study used a mixed-methods approach. In the quantitative phase, patients (n=88) from three dermatology clinics in Mureș county were enrolled in the study. They completed a self-report questionnaire and underwent a physical examination. As part of the qualitative phase, telephone interviews were conducted.

Specific objectives

• quantitatively assess patients’ illness perception and processes of psychosocial adaptation
• quantitatively assess patients’ perception of treatment, causes and consequences of the disease perceived and experienced levels of stigmatization and coping strategies