The interaction between acne vulgaris and the psyche.
Acne is the most common problem that presents to dermatologists. Because it causes visible disfiguring of the face, it produces a great deal of embarrassment, frustration, anger, and depression in patients. In addition, acne is most common in adolescence and young adulthood, a time when patients are least capable of coping with additional stress. As a result, it is virtually impossible to separate acne from psychiatric disturbances. Some patients are severely affected and require more than just acne therapy. Dermatologists need to become more adept at diagnosing and treating causative, concomitant, and resultant psychiatric disturbances in patients with acne. This article is intended to highlight the scope of the problem, identify at-risk patients, and help dermatologists assist patients with both their acne and their psychologic response to it.
Baldwin
Hilary E
HE
Department of Dermatology, State University of New York at Brooklyn, 11203, USA. hbaldwin@netmail.hscbklyn.edu
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology