Association of Psychological Defense Mechanisms with Stress Resistance Degree and Disease Duration in Patients with Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis
Introduction. Stress is one of the etiological factors of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Psychological defense mechanisms are reducing anxiety and protecting mind from unpleasant feelings in stressful situations. Psychological defense mechanisms failure is considered as a possible factor of disorders and their chronicity. Objective. To assess psychological defense mechanisms, the level of stress resistance and social adaptation in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Materials and methods. Patients with atopic dermatitis n=59, psoriasis n=67 and control group n=65 were included in the study. Psychological defense mechanisms were assessed by using «The Life Style Index». The level of stress resistance and social adaptation were assessed by using The Holmes & Rahe Stress Scale. Results. «Denial» as a psychological defense mechanism more expressed in long-term ill patients with psoriasis. The intensity of psychological defense mechanisms increases in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis with low stress resistance. Patients with psoriasis and with low stress resistance predominantly use psychological defense mechanisms «regression», «displacement» and «repression». Patients with atopic dermatitis, with low and borderline stress resistance, more often use defense mechanisms «displacement» and «hypercompensation». Conclusions. Long-term ill patients with psoriasis, patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis with low and borderline stress resistance require psychological defense mechanisms evaluation. These patients needed to be trained effective stress management because excessive and prolonged use of psychological defense mechanisms can lead to maladaptive behavior that can enhance stress impact.