Leading Psychologist Encourages Talk and Action Among Those Living With Psoriasis to Mark World Psoriasis Day

LONDON, October 28, 2011 -

‘Let’s talk about psoriasis - and take action’

Results of a recent survey revealing that 50 percent of GP’s do not ask patients what impact psoriasis has on their life with 94 percent of them stating it was because they had insufficient time,^[1] are worrying according to leading psychologist and prolific academic author, Dr Linda Papadopolous. According to Dr Linda the psychological impact of psoriasis is severely overlooked, and recent research estimates that a diagnosis of psoriasis may claim the lives of 350 sufferers each year through suicide.^[2]

Dr Linda is supporting an initiative here in the UK which is being launched to mark World Psoriasis Day, which takes place on 29^th October, by asking anyone with psoriasis to talk to a friend, colleague or loved one about their condition; to help them better understand it and its impact and to visit their GP to talk about the support and treatment options available to them.

“If each person with psoriasis in the UK talks to just two people on the 29^th October, that’s 2 million people who have been reached and educated about the condition,” says Dr Linda.

The initiative aims to dispel the common misconceptions around the condition, which affects about 2% of the UK population,^[3] which equates to about 2 million people in the UK,^[4] and encourage those living with the condition to ‘talk, learn and take action’; to educate themselves about better medical treatment and educate others.

Helen McAteer, Chief Executive of The Psoriasis Association says, “It is estimated that around a third of those living with psoriasis in the UK are currently going without expert support, advice or treatment.  Communication is key for those living with psoriasis, both among those who are newly diagnosed and those who have been living with psoriasis for many years; to ensure they understand the triggers, support and treatment options available to them as well as have regular reviews with their doctor to get the best possible outcomes.”

World Psoriasis Day is an annual day specially dedicated to people with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. Conceived by patients for patients, World Psoriasis Day is a truly global event that sets out to give an international voice to the more than 125 million people with psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis around the world.

Often appearing as red scaly patches on the skin, psoriasis can leave sufferers with low self-esteem and depression.^[5] In a recent survey 78 percent of females surveyed felt that psoriasis had most impacted their confidence^[6] and 30 percent of males stated that it has had an impact upon their relationships.^[6]

Notes to editors:

Case studies available upon request.

About Psoriasis

Full psoriasis fact sheet available upon request.

For more information on living with psoriasis, simple tips and pointers, visit:

www.morethanpsoriasis.co.uk

References:

1. Psoriasis Perceptions, GP Survey, Opinion Health. November 2010. LEO Pharma Data on file.

2. Kurd SK et al. Arch Dermatol. 2010; 146(8):891-895

3. The British Association of Dermatologists. Psoriasis an Overview; March 2011.  Available from www.bad.org.uk (Last accessed 20 September 2011)

4. Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Some facts; September 2011. Available from www.papaa.org (Last accessed 20 September 2011)

5. Kimball AB et al. Am J Clin Dermatol 2005; 6:383-392

6. Psoriasis Perceptions, Patient Survey, Opinion Health. November 2010. LEO Pharma Data on file.

For further information please contact: Spink: +44(0)1444-811099 ; Stephen Baker at stephen at spinkhealth.com ; Sophie Cooper at sophie at spinkhealth.com