- There is no doubt severe psychological distress is associated with the development and worsening of acne. Through “complex dermatological and psychological assessment” as well as “psychiatry interview”, 49 patients (28 male and 21 female, median age 27 years old) in the study done in Moscow, Russian Federation.
- 21 patients (7 female, median age 22 years old) showed “sensitive reactions” :
- Develops after several years (average 5) duration of acne
- Preoccupation with perceived defects in personal appearance.
- This results in anxiety, social phobia and depression
- The episode lasts typically 3 months (range 2-4)
- (Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI*) = 16)
- 18 patients (16 female, median age 34 years old) showed “hypochondriac development”:
- Develops in long lasting acne (15 years duration)
- Is characterized by a dissociation between the imagined defect and the real defect in appearance.
- Procrastination in wanting to reach the ideal appearance which is accompanied by auto-aggressive behaviour
- The episode tends to persist indefinately
- DLQI* = 18
- DLQI interpretation
- 0-1 No effect on patient’s life
- 2-5 Small effect on patient’s life
- 6-10 Moderate effect on patient’s life
- 11-20 Very large effect on patient’s life
- 21-30 Extremely large effect on patient’s life
Source of information. Matyushenko E. et al. Mental Disorders Provoked by Acne. 19th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Gothenburg (Göteborg) – Sweden (Sverige)
Source of information: here
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