31 11. SUMMARY Psoriasis (lat. psoriasis) is a chronic recurring immune skin disease, marked by erythematosquamous lesions of skin, scalp and nails. The disease often affects joints – psoriatic arthritis appears in approximately 30% of patients, but it may also affect other organic systems. Etiopathogenesis of psoriasis remains unclear, although it is considered to be caused by inadequate immune response to various environmental factors in a genetically predisposed individual. Because of undeniable influence of psychological and somatic factors on occurrence and recurrence of disease, today it is classified as psychosomatic, stress-related disorder. The range of 37-78% stress responders of psoriasis-affected patients is described in literature. The relationship between psychosocial stressors and the disease is complex. It is affected by character, number and duration of stressors, as well as biological predisposition of individual (genetics, constitution), social environment in which the stressor occurs, personality traits and attachment styles. It is considered that the stress caused by psoriasis itself, as well as psychosocial stress which causes disease deterioration, form a two-way interaction leading to creation of a vicious circle. Etiopathogenesis of reciprocity of psychosocial stress and psoriasis includes Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis, Sympathetic–Adrenal Medullary (SAM) system, components of immune system and influence of various neuropeptides released from peripheral sensory fibres. Compared to other dermatology patients, people suffering from psoriasis are more prone to development of psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, alexithymia and suicidality. Therapy methods of stress relief include psychiatric intervention – psychotherapy, and in case of often presence of anxiety and depression, use of psychopharmacs.