Patients’ Experiences of Psoriasis-related Social Interactions (PEPSI)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring patients’ experiences of psoriasis related negative social interactions
IRAS ID
212887
Contact name
Susan F Moschogianis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 25 days
Research summary
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by patches of red, flaky skin. Poorly recognised by health professionals and the wider public alike, it is much more than a simple skin condition and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. It is estimated that 2% of the population suffer from psoriasis, and the major physical and psychological morbidity of this incurable disease places great demands on the National Health Service (NHS). \nGiven the visibility of their condition, patients with psoriasis often report adverse reactions from others - including the expression of disgust. Our group were the first to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a brain imaging technique, to show that psoriasis patients process the facial expressions of disgust of others differently to healthy controls. \nThe purpose of this study is to gain novel insights into both the altered brain processing of disgust in psoriasis patients and their lived experience. This will be achieved through a multi-disciplinary approach, utilising semi-structured qualitative interviews, neurocognitive testing, psychometric assessment and fMRI. To our knowledge, this is the first time neuroimaging and qualitative techniques have been used in the same group of patients. By using both fMRI and interviews we will be able to explore potential mechanisms causing/maintaining disgust responses in people known to exhibit the attenuated disgust response. \nThe results of this study will help inform future investigations into emotional responses and skin disease, and will assist doctors to make treatment decisions for those who have chronic visible skin conditions.\n
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0066
Date of REC Opinion
2 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion