Despite large choice of effective therapies: Individuals with psoriasis still seem undertreated.

Abstract

Due to the development of new anti-psoriatic drugs in combination with improved structures for implementation throughout Germany, the medical care of psoriasis patients has markedly improved. In this study we investigated the real-life utilization of the health care system and identified reasons for dissatisfaction in affected individuals. This non-interventional cross-sectional study was conducted as an anonymous online survey from 12/2018 to 01/2019 in Germany. Participants with a self-reported physician-confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis and symptoms answered questions about their disease, its influence on daily life and their medical care. 649 participants with a mean age of 42.5 ±13.7 years and equal gender distribution (male: 50.2%) were evaluated. 54.1% received medical treatment at the time of the study, 45.9% did not. Among the participants with medical care, 59.3% were only moderately or less satisfied with their treatment. Reasons for dissatisfaction with the medication included lack of efficacy and side effects. Participants without medical treatment specified a physician's lack of time as a main reason for not seeking medical help. Despite the availability of efficient therapeutic options in Germany, many individuals with psoriasis are not satisfied. This under-treated group was identified as a new target population.