Suicidal Ideation, Mental Health Problems, and Social Impairment Are Increased in Adolescents with Acne: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

We performed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study to explore the relationship of suicidal ideation, mental health problems, and social functioning to acne severity among adolescents aged 18-19 years. A total of 4,744 youth were invited and 3,775 (80%) participated. In all, 14% reported having substantial acne (a lot and very much). Among those with very much acne, as compared those with no/little acne, suicidal ideation was twice as frequently reported among girls (25.5 vs. 11.9%) and three times more frequently reported among boys (22.6 vs. 6.3%). Suicidal ideation remained significantly associated with substantial acne (odds ratio 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.30-2.50) in a multivariate model including adjustments of symptoms of depression, ethnicity, and family income. Mental health problems, as assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (2.25, 1.69-3.00), low attachment to friends (1.52, 1.21-1.91), not thriving at school (1.41, 1.12-1.78), never having had a romantic relationship (1.35, 1.05-1.70), and never having had sexual intercourse (1.51, 1.21-1.89) were all associated with substantial acne in a multivariate model. Acne is frequently found in late adolescence and is associated with social and psychological problems. Adverse events including suicidal ideation and depression that have been associated with therapies for acne may reflect the burden of substantial acne rather than the effects of medication.

Evaluation of knowledge about acne vulgaris among a selected population of adolescents of Tricity schools

“…The problem of acne is not only visual, as many people think, but it can also trigger many psychological disturbances, which might even have fatal outcomes [1,2]. This common disease affects more than 90% of males and 80% of females [3] and it is also a skin disorder with a huge impact on the quality of life [4].…”

Repercusión emocional del cáncer de piel y el envejecimiento cutáneo

“…De los estudios comunitarios realizados en Noruega 4,6 y otros países [7][8][9] , sabemos que los individuos con picazón en la piel, eccema y psoriasis tienen el doble de probabilidades de estar deprimidos que la población en general 10 . Se ha demostrado que la depresión comórbida, la ansiedad y la ideación suicida son comunes en pacientes con afecciones cutáneas 11 .…”

Psychological disorder among acne patients

“…This study also suggested that acne in adults is a disorder that has both medical and psychomatic characteristics 6 . In 2011, Halvorsen et al 7 reported that among 3775 adolescents aged 18-19 years, 14% had severe acne, in which one in every four adolescents reported suicidal thoughts. Hence, suicidal ideation was reported two times more in females with acne than those without acne and three times more in male patients 7 .…”

“…In 2011, Halvorsen et al 7 reported that among 3775 adolescents aged 18-19 years, 14% had severe acne, in which one in every four adolescents reported suicidal thoughts. Hence, suicidal ideation was reported two times more in females with acne than those without acne and three times more in male patients 7 . Hence, acne leads to suicidal ideation due to emotional distress and society anxiety 8 .…”