Psychological morbidity and dissatisfaction with body appearance among patients with acne

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the psychological morbidity, depression, anxiety disorder, level of stress, and dissatisfaction with body appearance among patients with acne. Also, to examine the relationship of body dissatisfaction with the psychological morbidity, stress and severity of acne. METHODOLOGY: 115 adult patients with acne were evaluated on the Perceived Stress Scale, Physical Health Questionnaire-9, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scale and Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire- Dermatology version. RESULTS: One fourth of patients with acne depression (27.8%) and anxiety disorder (23.5%). Less than half (44.3%) of the patients with acne had preoccupation with their appearance/body partsand one fourth (27.0%) fulfilled the criteria for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Facial flaws were reported as the most concern. A significant number of patients avoided social and occupational functioning resulting in social isolation, interference in their work/job, interpersonal problems etc. Those with Body Dysmorphic disorder had a higher prevalence of stress, anxiety and depressive disorder. CONCLUSION: About one fourth of the patients with acne have Body dysmorphic disorder, which is associated with stress, anxiety and depressive disorder. Accoridngly,there is need to regularly evaluate patients of acne for psychological issues. The dermatologist and psychiatrist should work in close liaison to provide the holistic care to patient’s with acne.