Exploring reasons for distress in patients with psoriatic arthritis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring psychological, social and biological factors that underlie distress in patients with psoriatic arthritis
IRAS ID
138194
Contact name
Christine Bundy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester,Associate Vice-President (Research Integrity)
Research summary
One in three patients suffering from psoriasis are affected by psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term condition characterised by inflammation of the joints, causing swelling, stiffness and pain. Living with long-term conditions such as this can cause significant distress which can in turn impact upon patients’ quality of life. For patients with psoriasis in particular, high levels of depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts are observed.
In order to manage psoriatic arthritis effectively, patients’ wellbeing therefore needs to be taken into account. However, it is well established that for psoriasis patients, the relationship between distress and disease severity is complex. Thus, patients may report high levels of distress regardless of whether their psoriasis is mild or severe. This indicates that patients experience living with psoriatic arthritis differently, and that its consequences and impact upon quality of life may be accounted for by a range of patient factors besides disease severity.
Calls have been made for healthcare professionals to manage psoriasis and psoriasis-related conditions more holistically, and this includes providing patients with psychological support to manage distress levels and improve their quality of life. However, it is currently unknown whether patients’ distress derives from biological aspects of the condition (eg pain), social factors (eg stigma), or psychological issues (eg concerns/beliefs about condition). This knowledge is fundamental to improving current healthcare services which are able to target salient issues regarding distress with patients.
This study therefore seeks to identify the factors underlying distress in patients with psoriatic arthritis via conducting in-depth interviews with psoriatic arthritis patients. In this way, patients’ views and perceptions can be elicited to reveal what key factors are most likely to influence psoriatic arthritis-related distress.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
13/NS/0161
Date of REC Opinion
21 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion