Acne has obvious effects on those who get it, but it is worse for some than for others. Some acne sufferers will get a few pimples, while others might have severe, highly noticeable outbreaks of nasty red lesions. This can affect emotional health by harming self-esteem. The effects can be so severe in some people that it leads to clinical depression. This can happen even in those whose acne might be regarded as moderate.
Definition
Acne is a common skin condition that affects about 85 percent of the population, most commonly during adolescence, according to the Doctor's Guide medical website. However, adults can also get acne. It may not disappear after their teen years or it may make its first appearance when they are adults. It manifests itself as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and other skin lesions and rashes caused by clogged pores. Dead skin cells and oil cause swelling, inflammation and infection that shows up as an acne outbreak.
Effects
The New Zealand Dermatological Society warns that acne can have psychological effects, especially if it is very noticeable. This is often the case because it most commonly appears on the face. Many people with acne isolate themselves and experience a drop in their self-esteem. Teens are the most vulnerable to depression caused by acne, according to a Canadian study in the British Journal of Dermatology.
They may become the butt of jokes and teasing, which can be especially painful since the teen years are already a difficult time for most youngsters. Adults may lose opportunities in the workplace.
Significance
Acne's psychological effects are significant because they can lead to clinical depression if they are not resolved. Eventually a person who has learned to withdraw because of acne may become frustrated by the limitations and begin to experience depressive symptoms like low mood, bouts of crying, isolation, too much or too little sleep, impaired appetite and fears of being unworthy. Suicidal thoughts might result from extreme cases.
Treatment
Acne sufferers experiencing the symptoms of clinical depression usually need a two-tiered approach. First, their acne should be treated with over-the-counter creams and medications or by a dermatologist if it does not improve sufficiently with home treatments. Second, their depression should be treated by a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor. Depression can sometimes be controlled through counseling that helps the patient gain self-esteem and learn to use cognitive coping methods. Otherwise it may require anti-depressant medication.
Considerations
Most acne sufferers who become depressed are struggling with severe outbreaks. However, the New Zealand Dermatological Society states that some actually suffer from a condition known as "dysmorphophobic acne." Their problem would be considered mild by most people, but they see it as extremely severe and even disfiguring. Their distress often leads to depression. This condition requires treatment by both a dermatologist and a psychiatrist.
Warning
Although depression usually comes from dealing with the acne itself, the New Zealand Dermatological Society warns it may be triggered by treatment with a drug called Accutane, known genericaly as isotretinoin. It has not been conclusively proven to cause depression, but there is evidence it can lead to suicidal thoughts in some patients. The Mayo Clinic states it is usually only used for extremely severe and treatment resistant patients. It should only be used under close medical supervision.
