Challenges Psoriasis and Its Impact on Quality of Life: Challenges in Treatment and Management

Abstract

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 3% of the global population, presents complex challenges that extend beyond its physical manifestations. This comprehensive review examines the multidimensional impact of psoriasis on patients' lives, encompassing physical, psychological, and social aspects. We analyze current therapeutic approaches, from traditional systemic treatments to cutting-edge biological therapies and emerging oral medications, evaluating their efficacy, limitations, and accessibility. The review explores how disease severity correlates with quality of life measures and psychological burden, noting the high prevalence of depression (20%), anxiety (21%), and suicidal ideation (0.77%) among affected individuals. However, emerging evidence suggests that clinical severity, as measured by PASI or BSA, does not always correlate with the psychoemotional burden experienced by patients, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive assessment of disease impact. We discuss the evolution of treatment strategies, highlighting recent developments in targeted therapies, including JAK inhibitors, particularly selective TYK2 inhibitors, and PDE4 inhibitors, which offer promising alternatives to traditional treatments. Additionally, we examine the role of various assessment tools and quality of life measures in evaluating treatment outcomes. The analysis emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to patient care that integrates medical interventions with psychological support, addressing both the visible and invisible burdens of the disease. This review underscores the importance of personalized treatment strategies that consider not only clinical efficacy but also patient preferences, accessibility, and long-term safety profiles.

Keywords: PDE4 inhibitors; TYK2 inhibitors; biologics; psoriasis; psychological impact; quality of life; systemic treatments; treatment challenges.