Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in Pakistani Patients With Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease especially occurring during the second and third decades of life, and previous studies have identified significant psychosocial burden associated with this disease. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression amongst patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris presenting to the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care facility. Methods: 100 consecutive patients who were diagnosed as suffering from acne vulgaris by a skin specialist were enrolled in the study from January 2016 till august 2016. Elderly patients aged >65 years, and those who were on long term steroids were excluded from the study. The selected patients, having obtained their written informed consent, were screened for anxiety and depression using hospital anxiety and depression scale. Results: The mean age was 28.72 ± S.D 7.76 years. There was a female preponderance with 76(76%) females and only 24(24%) males. The mean anxiety and depression scores on hospital anxiety and depression scale were 9.64 ± S.D 5.62 and 9.93 ± S.D 5.135 respectively. The hospital anxiety and depression scale interpretation revealed that Depression was present in about 70 (70%) cases with 30(30%) having mild, 20(20%) for moderate and 20(20%) again for severe depression. The anxiety subscale interpretation revealed that anxiety was present in 66% of the cases with 26(26%) cases having mild anxiety, 20(20%) for both moderate and severe anxiety Conclusion: This study does show some degree of anxiety and depression in patients suffering from acne vulgaris. Early and effective management of these cases could lead to improved self- image, better psychosocial health and improved health related quality of life.