6^th International Congress of WIAMH

Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, August 13 – 15, 1999

Edin SULJAGIĆ, Osman SINANOVIĆ, Emir TUPKOVIĆ

Departments of Dermatology, Psychiatry and Neurology, University Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuzla, 75 000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

A prospective study was made that encompass 180 patients with psoriasis. Equal number of civilians and soldiers was in the patient group. The basic goal of the research was to examine psychosocial features of the patients. The analysis was made at the University Clinical Centre - Tuzla, as a result of co-operation between Departments of Dermatology and Psychiatry. Numerous measurement instruments were used, e.g. list of general data, psychosocial questionnaire, instrument for psychosocial examination such as SWL test (Satisfaction with Life score). Statistical analysis was made by the X- square test and variance quotient analysis. Results of analysis showed that social structure of the examined patients was low, and knowledge of illness and healing was poor, which gave negative influences to other components of the treatment. The most prominent number of patients belonged to the structure with low level of educated, decreased ego strength, and inclination to primary thinking process – magic thinking. The changes of life surroundings proceeded in disease exposure in 80% of soldiers and 63% of civilians. Psychological test (EPQ and MMPI 201) showed an extremely high level of hypochondria among soldiers. According to the capital features of personality no differences between soldiers and civilians were observed. Nevertheless, significant difference in MMPI is observed between examined patients (civilians – hypochondriacs, depression, psychasthenia and schizoid). Civilians showed paranoia and anxiety, but both of the groups had decreased ego strength level. Patients with psoriasis showed extreme level of psychotic tendency (EPQ-test), neurosis and extrovert behaviour. They wanted to exhibit themselves through a more desirable image.

Key words: Psychosocial/Psychological aspects – War – Psoriasis

References:

1. Suljagić E, Sinanović E, Moro Lj, Tupković E (2000) Stressful life events and Psoriasis during the War in Bosnia. Dermatol Psychosom 2000; 1 (Suppl 1): 36.
2. Suljagić E (1999) Influence of Psychical Factors on Appearance and Development of Psoriasis Vulgaris. PhD Dissertation at the Faculty of Medicine of the Tuzla University (Mentor Prof. PhD SCI O. Sinanovic
3. Gupta MA, Gupta AK (1996) Psychodermatology: An update. J Am Acad Dermatol 34:1030-1046. Harrison PV, Moore-Fitzgerald l (1994) Psoriasis Vulgaris Life Events and Coping Skills. Br J Dermatol 130(6):798.