Acne increases risk of anxiety and depression, finds study

USA: People with acne are at increased risk for anxiety and depression, finds a recent study in the journal Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Due to this clinicians are advised to pursue aggressive acne management and consider psychiatric screening or referrals.

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition caused by the plugging of hair follicles with dead skin cells and oil. It is most common in teenagers and young adults and is often associated with psychosocial problems. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. It usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.

Read Also: Milk, high fat and sugary diet may cause adult acne: JAMA Dermatology

Several previous studies have demonstrated an association between acne vulgaris with depression and anxiety, but there is no quantitative review evaluating the same. Danielle V. Samuels, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate the association of acne vulgaris with depression and anxiety.

Subgroup analyses between studies included age, study setting, and geographic region.

For the purpose, the researchers conducted an analysis of the data published before October 1, 2019, from PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases. They used a meta-analytic approach to perform a random-effects analysis comparing individuals with and without acne. A total of forty-two studies were included. 

"Because of an increased risk for depression and anxiety, clinicians should pursue aggressive treatment of acne and consider psychiatric screening or referrals," concluded that authors. 

The study, "Acne vulgaris and risk of depression and anxiety: A meta-analytic review," is published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2020.02.040