THE MIND AND SKIN INTERPLAY: EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF ANXIETY AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC ASPECTS ON COPING AND FUNCTIONING OF YOUNG ADULTS WITH PSORIASIS -A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated dermatological condition with significant psychosocial consequences. Young adults are particularly vulnerable to psychiatric comorbidities, yet integrated psychodermatological research in this population remains limited. Objective: To assess depression, anxiety, coping styles, and daily functioning in young adults with psoriasis and to evaluate the impact of gender and socioeconomic status on these outcomes. Materials andMethods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 young adults (aged 18-35 years) with clinically diagnosed psoriasis from the dermatology outpatient department. Assessment tools included the PHQ-9, GAD-7, Brief COPE Inventory, and WHODAS 2.0 (12-item). Psoriasis severity was classified using the PASI. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearsons correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA.