Acne in Adolescents: Quality of Life, Self-Esteem, Mood and Psychological Disorders

• Published in: Dermatology online journal Vol. 17; no. 1; p. 1
• Main Authors: Dunn, Lauren K, O'Neill, Jenna L, Feldman, Steven R
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: United States University of California Digital Library - eScholarship 01.01.2011
• Subjects: Acne; Acne Vulgaris - psychology; Adolescent; Affect; Body dysmorphic disorder; Depression - etiology; Female; Females; Humans; Male; Mental depression; Perceptions; Personality; Psychology, Adolescent; Quality of Life; Self Concept; Self esteem; Self image; Suicidal Ideation; Suicides & suicide attempts; Teenagers; Womens health; New Zealand
• ISSN: 1087-2108; 1087-2108
• DOI: 10.5070/D34HP8N68P

Acne is a significant adolescent problem and may precipitate emotional and psychological effects. The impact of acne on psychological parameters and implications for acne treatment are not fully understood. We performed a MEDLINE search using the terms "acne" and "adolescent" along with "psychological," "depression," or "psychiatric," which yielded 16 reviewed studies. Qualitative review of the selected articles revealed that the presence of acne has a significant impact on self-esteem and quality of life. Depression and other psychological disorders are more prevalent in acne patients and acne treatment may improve symptoms of these disorders. The reviewed studies were semi-quantitative analyses utilizing various standardized surveys or questionnaires. Therefore, quantitative analysis of selected studies was not possible. The presence of co-morbid psychological disorders should be considered in the treatment of acne patients and future prospective trials are needed to assess the impact of treatment on psychological outcomes.