Impact of psoriatic arthritis on the patient: through the lens of the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Health, and Disability.

Psoriatic arthritis is associated with a broad range of problems from the perspective of the patient. These include symptoms relating to skin and musculoskeletal disease to difficulties with day-to-day activities, social interactions, paid employment, and community participation. Additional problems related to frequent comorbidities impose further impact. It has been shown that individuals with psoriatic arthritis have similar or worse disability than men older than 75 years of age in the general population, and psoriatic arthritis confers worse health status than many other common chronic diseases. The World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health provides a useful framework for considering the impact of this disease. Ideal clinical management of psoriatic arthritis would provide access to an interdisciplinary team with expertise in functional, social, vocational, and community issues, as well as to medical expertise.