Psoriasis is a challenging skin condition impacting all areas of life, including the choice of activities people engage in, their relationships and their emotional wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. These impacts often continue even when the condition is in remission, such is the psychological toll that many people experience. Despite this, people with psoriasis can find it hard to access support for the challenges they face.
This self-help book is the first of its kind, written by an experienced clinical psychologist who has lived with psoriasis since childhood. From this unique perspective, the book explores cutting edge research investigating the emotional and psychological impact of psoriasis, drawing on the author's personal experience and a range of tried and tested therapeutic approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).
Topics covered include:
- Stress and depression in psoriasis
- Understanding feelings of shame and low self esteem
- Coping with pain, discomfort and itch
- How to deal with unwanted attention and other people's reactions
- How to improve relationships and intimacy
- Coping with treatments
- Increasing self-compassion
Expert advice and practical tips will help you navigate the emotional challenges and improve your psychological wellbeing, making this an essential book for anyone with psoriasis, as well as those who support them, including their family, friends and clinicians
Table of Contents:
1 Introduction
2 Psoriasis and depression
3 Psoriasis and stress
4 Psoriasis and shame
5 Dealing with unwanted attention and others' reactions
6 Living with pain, discomfort and itching
7 Blame and lifestyle factors
8 Psoriasis and emotions
9 Relationships and intimacy
10 Models of illness beliefs
11 Psychological strategies for coping
12 Developing self-compassion
13 Coping with treatments
14 Supporting others with psoriasis
15 Positive growth and psoriasis
About the Author :
Dr Catherine O'Leary is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has worked for many years in medical settings in the NHS. She is trained in several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Family Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. She is passionate about supporting people and their families to live well with physical health conditions.
