Depression: Koo JY

Menter A, Gottlieb A, Feldman SR, Van Voorhees AS, Leonardi CL, Gordon KB, Lebwohl M, Koo JY, Elmets CA, Korman NJ, Beutner KR, Bhushan R. · Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. · J Am Acad Dermatol. · Pubmed #18423260 No free full text.

Abstract: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory, multisystem disease with predominantly skin and joint manifestations affecting approximately 2% of the population. In this first of 5 sections of the guidelines of care for psoriasis, we discuss the classification of psoriasis; associated comorbidities including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular risk, psychiatric/psychologic issues, and cancer risk; along with assessment tools for skin disease and quality-of-life issues. Finally, we will discuss the safety and efficacy of the biologic treatments used to treat patients with psoriasis.

Choi J, Koo JY. · Department of Dermatology, University of California-San Francisco, 515 Spruce Street, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA. · J Am Acad Dermatol. · Pubmed #12894127 No free full text.

Abstract: Psoriasis is associated with significant psychosocial morbidity and a decrease in health-related quality of life. It is important to view psoriasis as a serious disease and resist the tendency to underestimate its impact on overall patient well-being. The disability experienced by psoriasis sufferers is comparable to that of patients with other chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and depression. Aggressive intervention is warranted in order to improve patient quality of life and decrease the potential for psychosocial sequelae. Health-related quality of life measures are becoming a necessary adjunct to traditional clinical assessments in the evaluation and treatment of psoriasis patients by the individual clinician. They also provide valuable information to government agencies and third party payers in the determination of resource allocation and reimbursement.