Psychological Particularity in Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the mental state (depression and anxiety) in the acne vulgaris patients, as well as age, gender, education, localization of the eruptions, duration and origin of the disease and to relate these data to the psychological peculiarities. These data were then to be used in the treatment scheme. Patients and Methods: The observation involved 80 patients (55 females and 25 males) aged 16–50. The control group consisted of 45 healthy subjects without any skin disorders. The psychological status was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Spielberger’s State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: In acne patients depression was expressed more in females than in males. High trait anxiety was expressed in patients with high education. BDI and STAI revealed significant differences in the psychological triggering factors. Psychological state did not significantly depend on age, duration of the disease, localization of the eruption, or acne severity. Patients and control group did not differ significantly in psychological parameters. Healthy females tended to be depressed significantly more often than healthy males, but the degree of education did not correlate with the psychological data. The correlation between BDI and STAI was significant both in patients and in the control group. In acne patients, correlation between the BDI and state anxiety scales was positive, while in the control group it was negative. The expressed disturbance of psychological state, i.e., high scores in the BDI and high levels of state and trait anxiety was found in 10 acne patients, but not in the control group. Conclusion: Disturbance of the psychological state with signs of depression or anxiety as well as mixed depression and anxiety is frequently associated with acne. This should be taken into consideration in the treatment scheme.