Psycopatologycal status and coping strategies in psoriatic patient: objectives and methodology of the psoriasis survey for the control of anxiety and depression (PSYCHAE) study.

Psoriasis: SurveY for the Control of Anxiety and dEpression (PSYCHAE) is a multicentric, observational, prospective study for evaluation of the psychological impact and strategies for coping with psoriasis in Italian patients. A cohort of 1 580 patients was enrolled in 39 University Dermatological Departments in Italy. A total of 3 follow-up visits were programmed after enrollment. Psychological status was evaluated using specific psychometric scales (general health questionnaire [GHQ- 12], brief symptoms inventory [BSI], and Brief-Cope). GHQ- 12 was chosen due to its easy use and rapid clinical assessment of general psychological status. The BSI scale provides a structured and more in-depth analysis of psychological symptoms. Brief-Cope permits the analysis of cognitive stress regarding psoriasis. On the basis of the methodology chosen and the large number of patients enrolled, it is expected that the study will provide a realistic assessment of the psychopathologicalstatus of patients with psoriasis in Italy. The rationale behind the choice of the methodology utilized for obtaining objective results is discussed.