Impairment of Sexual Life in Patients with Psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Sexual life can be severely affected in patients with psoriasis. However, this component is not often assessed by clinicians. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of sexual impairment and its degree of association with clinical and personal factors among psoriasis patients. Methods: Sexual life impairment was investigated in all eligible adults hospitalized with psoriasis in a dermatological hospital from February 2000 to February 2002, using answers to specific items from two dermatology-specific questionnaires, and from two psoriasis-specific questionnaires. Clinical severity and psychological problems were also evaluated. The same questionnaires were collected a month after hospital discharge, to estimate changes from baseline. Results: Of 936 patients,from 35.5% (Psoriasis Disability Index) to 71.3% (Impact of Psoriasis on Quality of Life Questionnaire) reported to have experienced sexual problems because of psoriasis. A more severe disease and the presence of psychological problems were also associated with sexual impairment. At 1-month follow-up, a reduction of >75% in clinical severity was associated with a twofold probability of substantial improvement of sexual life. Conclusions: Sexual impairment is very frequent in patients with psoriasis. Single questions on sexual life from quality of life questionnaires provide a simple tool that may be useful in clinical practice to assess sensitive issues, and thus to provide better patient-physician communication.

Variáveis individuais e familiares na psoríase: um estudo com doentes e parceiros

“…A ansiedade contribui negativamente e tal resultado compreende-se intuitivamente dado que as exigências aos parceiros aumentam. Além disso, as responsabilidades, papéis, recursos e o próprio relacionamento requerem um ajustamento que poderá ser vivenciado com ansiedade face às mudanças exigidas (Rolland, 1994;Sampogna, Gisondi, Tabolli, & Abeni, 2007).…”

“…Tal como outras doenças crónicas, a psoríase implica alterações na vida do casal nomeadamente, mais encargos domésticos, disponibilidade para acompanhar o parceiro no tratamento, limitações nos planos de férias e actividades de lazer, limitações nas actividades diárias e alterações ao nível da intimidade (Basra & Finlay, 2007;Eghlileb, Davies, & Finlay, 2007;Gordon & Perrone, 2004;Sampogna, Gisondi, Tabolli, & Abeni, 2007). Além disso, e no caso especifico da psoríase, existe ainda desconforto físico, desfiguração, embaraço e estigma social (Kent, 2000).…”

Is sexology necessary in dermatology? Review of most common sexual dysfunction in skin disorders

“…Moreover, the negative correlation between sexual dysfunction and psoriasis was also reported in other studies. For instance, in cross-sectional study of Sampogna et al [22] in 936 patients with psoriasis; cross-sectional study of Al-Mazeedi et al [23] in 330 patients with psoriasis; cross-sectional study of Al-Meeuwis et al [24] in 487 patients with psoriasis; and randomized clinical trial study of Guenther et al [25] in 1996 patients with psoriasis. In this patients' group, impaired sexual function was reported by 22.6% (women=27.1%; men=20.8%).…”

Impact of visible differences on intimacy: the role of health professionals

“…They worried that the revelation may make their partner appraise them negatively, end their relationship and make them feel guilty and deceitful. Worthington (1988) argues that a program of treatment or rehabilitation is inadequate if it does not support sexual health and adjustment but this standard is rarely met (Sampogna et al, 2007). Some suggestions for appropriate practice exist within the research literature and it may be possible to adopt these within the context of a healthcare system operating with finite resources and within which referral pathways and access to psychological services may be limited.…”