Comparison of the risk of depression and anxiety between adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris in a tertiary government hospital.
- Author:
Andrea Aileen Marie V. Montelibano
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
Journal of the Philippine Medical Association
2018;97(1):15-23
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND:Acne vulgaris is a common condition, affecting at least 80% of adolescents and adults aged 11-30.
In a on fourth of the adolescents affected, it is moderate to severe. Once considered a disease occurring in
puberty, studies have shown the prevalence of acne occurring up to the 5th decade. Many studies have shown
the relationship between skin disease and mental health. And among acne vulgaris patients, there are reports of
psychological disorders and negative quality of life. Many studies have been done about the risk of anxiety and
depression among adolescents. However, because acne is more common among adolescents, limited studies
have been done regarding the psychological impact of acne among adults.
OBJECTIVES:To compare the proportion of risk of anxiety and depression between adolescent and adult
acne vulgaris patients in a tertiary government hospital OPD and Skin Center using the Hospital Anxiety and
Depression Scale in English and Pilipino (HADS/HADS-P).
MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study design was used. Forty-six subjects (23 adolescent and 23
adult) diagnosed with acne vulgaris were included in the study. Eligible subjects underwent a thorough
dermatologic evaluation. The Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) was used to evaluate the severity of acne.
The validated HADS/HADS-P questionnaire was used to assess the risk of anxiety and depression. Independent
Students t-test was used to compare means between the groups. Chi-square test was used to compare
proportions. Statistical significance was based on p-values ≤0.05.
RESULTS:Among the adolescents included, 56.5% were female and 43.5% were male ranging from 13-24 years
old. The adult subjects were consisted of 87% females and 13% males ranging from 25-47 years old. The most
frequent age of onset of acne was between 11 to 19 years among adolescents and 12 to 18 years among adults
(91.3% vs 56.5%; p=0.017). Duration of acne among adolescents was 4.4 ± 3.0 years and 10.3 ± 6.4 years among
adults (p<0.0001). In the adolescent group, subjects had moderate (56.5%) or mild (43.5%) acne. Adults had
mild (60.5%), moderate (30.4%) or severe (8.7%) acne. There was a significant difference in the risk of anxiety
and depression between adolescents and adults (p=0.007). There were 21 adolescents (93%) and 12 adults
(52.2%) who were at risk. Of the subjects included in the study, adolescents were approximately 10 times more
likely to be at risk of anxiety and depression (OR=9.625, 95% CI: 1.821, 50.866).
CONCLUSION:Acne vulgaris is associated with negative psychosocial effects on both adolescent and adult
patients. The results of this study are consistent with previous findings across cultures. Because acne is not
just a physical problem for many patients, it is important for healthcare practitioners, especially dermatologists
to be able to see the red flags for psychological comorbidities among patients. The Hospital Anxiety and
Depression Scale is a quick and simple tool to use for physicians for risk assessment that can be done in the
clinics and can aid in providing a more holistic treatment for patients.
- Full text:Comparison of the risk of depression and anxiety.pdf
