PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS IN CHRONIC URTICARIA

Using validated instruments (BSI - Hassles Scale) the authors have evaluated contribution of psychological disorders and the impact of stress in a population of "chronic urticaria" patients. This study has shown that 38 percent of the subjects suffered from a variety of psychological disorders in which depression, anxiety and sensitivity towards others predominated, together with a high level of reactiveness towards stress. In the male sample population, scores were subnormal, suggesting the use of defense mechanisms of the denial type. The findings of this evaluation suggest that psychological and behavioral management of these male as well as female patients could contribute to improved management of their illness.