WASHINGTON, April 19, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To ensure that people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have access to the treatments needed to manage their disease, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) will hold a congressional briefing today to address the emotional and mental implications of psoriatic disease.
This briefing will include Cyndi Lauper, pop icon and spokeswoman for "I'm PsO Ready," a national initiative driven by NPF and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation to highlight the physical, emotional and social challenges of psoriasis. The briefing will also include NPF medical board member, board-certified dermatologist and clinical psychologist Dr. Richard Fried of Yardley Dermatology and Yardley Clinical Research Associates.
In addition to dealing with the physical suffering and an increased risk of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, many patients struggle with depression and a reduced quality of life due to the social stigma associated with psoriatic disease.
Recent studies have found that those living with psoriasis have a 39 percent increased risk of being diagnosed with depression than those without the disease[1]. Those with a combination of both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis suffer higher rates of anxiety and depression than those with psoriasis alone[2].
For many, treating their disease is the first step in reducing the risk of depression and improving overall quality of life. However, lack of access, lack of appropriate diagnosis, and lack of resources to get medication limit many patients from treating their disease. Congress can help address these issues by removing barriers that are making it hard for patients to treat their disease.
"The goal of this briefing is to ask Congress to support initiatives that provide better access for patients to effectively treat their disease, said Randy Beranek, president of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "By addressing the significant impact psoriatic disease has on patients' overall quality of life, we are getting closer to achieving our goal of dramatically improving health outcomes for all with psoriatic disease."
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