The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in diagnosis of depressive disorder in a female patient with psoriasis

© Borgis - New Medicine 4/2010, s. 166-168

*Ewa Ogłodek, Aleksander Araszkiewicz

Summary
Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, with a complex, multifactorial and still not fully understood aetiopathogenesis. It is estimated that approximately 1-2% of the general population of highly developed countries has psoriasis. Psoriasis is also associated with limitations in daily activities, occupational, and sexual functioning. Patients with psoriasis suffer comparable disability as other patients with mental illnesses. People with psoriasis have a greater risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. This chronic condition has a significant negative impact on patients? quality of life. Depression and a reduced quality of life significantly affect patients with psoriasis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of depression treatment in a patient with psoriasis.
Material and method. A 48-year-old female patient, suffering from a DSM-IV major depressive episode and psoriasis, was examined with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) before and after treatment with mirtazapine.
Results. Mean MADRS scores changed from 37 to 9.
Aim. The patient reached remission of depression after 12 weeks of pharmacological treatment with mirtazapine.
Conclusions. 1. There is a relation between psoriasis and falling ill with depression. 2. Mirtazapine proved to be an effective medication in the treatment of the patient with depression and psoriasis.

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