Teenagers Acne – The Risk to Mental Health

"Depression remains a key medical issue for young people with approximately 20 per cent experiencing depression by the time they reach adulthood" - Dr. Sullivan, a leading dermatologist and chair of the Severe Cystic Acne Resource. He went on to underline the need to regularly monitor for depression in all patients with acne, particularly those with the more severe forms. rnYoung people are particularly vulnerable because acne starts in adolescence, which is also a time when depression and anxiety are prevalent. Add acne into the mix of day-to-day stress, along with the desire for peer respect and concern for their appearance, and then we can understand why some young people have difficulty in dealing with their lives. Health professionals report that by the time many young people get to see a dermatologist they are already distressed. Acne is not a trivial ailment It is very easy to dismiss teenager's acne as trivial and something that will pass with age. However, research has found that young peoples' responses to acne cause the same levels of social, emotional and psychological effects as are found in those who suffer from more serious chronic ailments such as diabetes, asthma and epilepsy. Acne, along with other chronic ailments, can be associated with social isolation, self-consciousness, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety. rnSymptoms of depression are not confined to any one region or country.rnA New Zealand study found some young people with acne become so depressed they have suicidal thoughts. The study also found the more severe the acne the greater the risk of self-harm. In Oslo, Norway, acne is significantly associated with mental distress in late adolescents. rnThe evidence over some years points to a group of people at risk of mental illness. The risk exists in all acne sufferers but particularly in teenagers. Friends and family need to be watchful Health professionals ask friends and families of acne sufferers to watch for any signs of depression and then to encourage them to seek medical help if they detect any problems. rnThere is a very clear message from the research and from health professionals: acne in teenagers needs to be taken seriously and those closest to them need to be aware of any signs of distress or depression. If these signs are present young people need to be encouraged to seek medical help. The good news is, acne sufferers generally improve in self-esteem and in mental health as their acne improves with treatment.