Sometimes, scientific data is presented that to a patient is patently obvious. But bringing scientific rigor to seemingly obvious things can still be useful.
New analyses of clinical trials of Enbrel (etanercept) for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and Stelara (ustekinumab) for psoriasis found that both biologics reduced patients’ symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improved their patient-reported quality of life. Well, you may be thinking, sure! Nothing like seeing and feeling your skin and joints improve to get your mental state improved. And it may be just that.
Yet it is useful for insurers and other decision-makers to realize that treating one’s psoriasis is more than “cosmetic”–it can profoundly improve one’s quality of life. And it’s worth repeating among psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients, too. Treating your skin and joints might also help your mind.
The data covered 24 weeks.
Category: Biologics, Mental health, Treatment
I am so pleased to read this. I suffer from both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as anxiety and depression most of my life. Since starting enrbel I have noticed an incredible difference in my life. I had dropped out of school, stopped caring about life completly and waking up in the morning was the worst part of the day. Then my mother took control and got me on enbrel. Since starting enbrel not only can I walk and get out of bed in the morning, I actually WANT to wake up and walk. I enjoy doing things I never did and for the past few years couldnt. I absolutely notice a difference in my anxiety and overall feeling of well being. Only problem is I wont be able to afford it much longer as my insurance does not cover it! How can they consider something like psoriasis cosmetic? It can be one of the most debilitating feelings in the world and is in no way shape or form just cosmetic. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
Hi Erin,It was good to read your story,as I am in the same boat as you.No-one who has never had psoriasis don’t understand the full extent of what it does to a person mentally & emotionaly. We could go on forever. Sorry how could it be classed as cosmetic?? Maybe people who think like that need to have just one week living with psoriasis. I would like to hear what they have to say.???Thanks again for your story. Lynne
Psoriasis is a living hell