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 Spanish patients with dermatosis. This was why it was decided to carry out, in association with Accion Psoriasis (a Spanish Patient Support Group), an evaluation of the depressive symptomatology of patients suffering from psoriasis. METHODS: 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. The CES-D scale was sent to 1300 patients with psoriasis, members or supporters of Accion Psoriasis. The completed questionnaires were returned in prepaid envelopes. RESULTS: Out of the 1300 questionnaires sent out in March 2003. At mid-March 2003, 300 questionnaires were returned: response rate 23%. The presented results concerned the 106 first questionnaires analysed. The male/female gender ratio was as follows 54 /46. Depressive symptomatology was observed in 44% of men (average score 17.8) and 55% of women (average score 21). This difference between men and women was not statistically significant. An evaluation according to the age at diagnosis was also carried out: 2 groups were identified: diagnosis at 16 years of age or younger versus a group diagnosed after the age of 16. Depressive symptomatology was observed in 54% of patients in the first group versus 46% of patients in the second group. 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.