OBJECTIVE: Chronic skin diseases have a heavy impact on the physical and mental well-being of the patient. This is confirmed by the large number of quality of life studies that exist. Paradoxically, no study has evaluated depressive symptomatology in Italian patients with dermatosis. This was why it was decided to carry out, in association with ADIPSO (an Italian Patient Support Group), an evaluation of the depressive symptomatology of patients suffering from psoriasis. Tools: the CES-D scale (Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression scale) was developed in the USA at the National Institute Of Mental Health to perform epidemiological studies of depressive symptomatology in the general population. METHOD: The CES-D scale was remitted by Italian Dermatologists to the first 5000 patients with psoriasis coming to their office. The completed questionnaires were returned in prepaid envelopes. RESULTS: Out of the 5000 questionnaires remitted in February and March 2003. At mid- March 2003, 3000 questionnaires were returned: response rate 60%. The presented results concerned the 100 first questionnaires analysed. The male/female gender ratio was as follows 61/39. Depressive symptomatology was observed in 34% of men (average score 17.2) and 62% of women (average score 21). This difference between men and women was statistically significant (p = 0.007). An evaluation according to the education level was also carried out: Two groups were identified: patients having a primary/secondary education level (n = 69) versus patients having a higher education level (n = 31). Depressive symptomatology was observed in 51% of patients in the first group versus 32% of patients in the second group. This difference according to the education level was statistically significant (p<0.02). CONCLUSION: These preliminary results show the importance of the psychological impact of dermatosis, especially psoriasis. Global management of patients seems essential for patients suffering from chronic dermatosis.