The evaluation of psychiatric comorbidity, self‐injurious behavior, suicide probability, and other associated psychiatric factors (lonileness, self‐esteem, life satisfaction) in adolescents with acne: A clinical pilot study

Abstract

The presence of high levels of psychiatric comorbidity, suicide probability, and self-injurious behavior in adolescents with acne in our study suggests that psychiatric evaluation should be included in acne treatment plans. Psychological assessment of adolescents with acne vulgaris is important for contributing to the detection of any potential covert sexual abuse. Our study demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for acne treatment.

The association of depression, loneliness and internet addiction levels in patients with acne vulgaris

“…These factors may cause avoidance from social interactions and may lead to loneliness. We found higher level of loneliness just like a previous study performed in adolescents [ 17 ]. This finding is understandable considering the social inhibition experienced by acne vulgaris patients.…”

“…Loneliness may be defined as the lack of social relations required by an individual or the low quality of relations perceived by an individual due to the lack of closeness, intimity and emotionality [ 16 ]. High level of loneliness is known to be present in adolescents with acne like other dermatological disorders [ 17 ].…”

Psychodermatology of acne: Psychological aspects and effects of acne vulgaris

“…Acne relapses were associated with impaired quality of life and productivity loss/absenteeism in 5.7% of the patients in a French study 16 . Severe acne was also associated with mental hospital admission for numerous comorbid disorders, such as anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorders in 25.3% of acne patients studied by Singam et al 17 In their study, Eroğlu et al 18 reported that 41.3% of adolescent patients with acne have self‐injurious behavior that was associated with low to middle self‐esteem levels and increased subsequent hopelessness and hostility. Interestingly, seven of the studied patients were diagnosed with sexual abuse 18 .…”

“…Severe acne was also associated with mental hospital admission for numerous comorbid disorders, such as anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorders in 25.3% of acne patients studied by Singam et al 17 In their study, Eroğlu et al 18 reported that 41.3% of adolescent patients with acne have self‐injurious behavior that was associated with low to middle self‐esteem levels and increased subsequent hopelessness and hostility. Interestingly, seven of the studied patients were diagnosed with sexual abuse 18 . Cengiz and Gürel reported that difficulties in emotion regulation were more common in acne patients than in controls that were associated with or more prone to anxiety, depressive symptoms, and impaired QoL 19 …”

“…Clinicians also should evaluate the psychological state of their acne patients, particularly women, rather than focusing mainly on dermatological/cosmetic dimensions 16,19 . Further, psychological assessment is important for detection of any potential covert sexual abuse in adolescent patients 18 …”