for a score of 4 or more. Dermatological
patients who were hospitalized
had higher rates of depression and
anxiety than outpatients. It is interesting
to note that patients with leg
ulcers, psoriasis and
pemphigoid resulted
in the highest
scores, indicating a
probable presence
of depression and/or
anxiety. Researchers
then compared the
patients’ questionnaire
scores with
the records of which
patients had undergone
psychological
Test scores showed
that women were
more likely than
men to receive
psychological
counseling services,
as were younger
patients.
counseling. Women were more likely
than men to receive psychological
counseling services, as were younger
patients.
Overall, the study initially shows that
implementing a self-administered
screening questionnaire can augment
a patient’s care.
“Our pilot study provides preliminary
evidence that the use of a simple,
self-administered screening questionnaire
for non-psychotic psychiatric
disorders, such as the GHQ-12, may
alert the dermatologists
to the needs of
certain patients for
further assessment
and possible psychological
support,”
the authors wrote.
If dermatologists
can recognize signs
of these disorders
through screening
surveys, they can
potentially provide referrals for services
that could improve a patient’s
clinical condition. Researchers also
noted that existing research shows
that among patients with psoriasis,
initiating mindfulness-based cognitive
therapy can significantly improve
both psoriasis severity and the
patient’s quality of life.
FLU SHOT | Vaccination helps protect, reduce the risk of
flu-associated hospitalization and help reduce the severity of
illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
SICK? STAY HOME | Fever and respiratory symptoms? Stay
home until 24 hours after the fever lowers to 100˚ F or below.
WASH HANDS | Wash often with soap & water for 20 seconds.
HIGH RISK | Talk to your doctor to learn about your risks.
Some examples of high risk people include: small children,
elderly people, pregnant women.
COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE DIGEST • JAN–MAR 2019 | WWW.CHDIGEST.COM 15
/WWW.CHDIGEST.COM