Personality Disorders in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

Abstract

Introduction: The research explores and deepens the personality alterations that occur in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Several authors point to psychological factors among the main causes that influence the development of this disease, as there is evidence that certain people have greater somatic symptoms than others, especially under certain stressful conditions.

Objective: To determine the personality alterations present in patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris.

Methods: A qualitative research was carried out using multiple case studies as a method. Seven women were studied. The main category of analysis was the alteration of the personality they presented, which could be identified through alterations in the hierarchy of needs and motives, the conscious regulation of behavior and self-worth. For the interpretation of the information obtained, content analysis was used as a methodological tool.

Results: Alterations in the structure and mediatization of the motive system, personality, conflictive perception of reality, and conscious regulation of behavior and self-assessment predominated.

Conclusions: All patients studied with a diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris showed a tendency to overestimate self-confidence, happiness and aspirations. In the same way, they were inclined to undervalue their character, often alluding to the hyper-adapted character they showed during the research.