Suicidal Ideation, Mental Health Problems, and Social Impairment Are Increased in Adolescents with Acne: A Population-Based Study

We performed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study to explore the relationship of suicidal ideation, mental health problems, and social functioning to acne severity among adolescents aged 18–19 years. A total of 4,744 youth were invited and 3,775 (80%) participated. In all, 14% reported havin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of investigative dermatology 2011-02, Vol.131 (2), p.363-370
Main Authors: Halvorsen, Jon A., Stern, Robert S., Dalgard, Florence, Thoresen, Magne, Bjertness, Espen, Lien, Lars
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acne Vulgaris - drug therapy
Acne Vulgaris - psychology
Adolescent
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Biological and medical sciences
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depression - chemically induced
Depression - psychology
Dermatologic Agents - adverse effects
Dermatologic Agents - therapeutic use
Dermatology
Female
Health Surveys
Humans
Isotretinoin - adverse effects
Isotretinoin - therapeutic use
Male
Medical sciences
Mental Health
Psychology
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Quality of Life - psychology
Skin involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous. General aspects
Social Behavior Disorders - psychology
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide
Young Adult
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Summary:We performed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study to explore the relationship of suicidal ideation, mental health problems, and social functioning to acne severity among adolescents aged 18–19 years. A total of 4,744 youth were invited and 3,775 (80%) participated. In all, 14% reported having substantial acne (a lot and very much). Among those with very much acne, as compared those with no/little acne, suicidal ideation was twice as frequently reported among girls (25.5 vs. 11.9%) and three times more frequently reported among boys (22.6 vs. 6.3%). Suicidal ideation remained significantly associated with substantial acne (odds ratio 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.30–2.50) in a multivariate model including adjustments of symptoms of depression, ethnicity, and family income. Mental health problems, as assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (2.25, 1.69–3.00), low attachment to friends (1.52, 1.21–1.91), not thriving at school (1.41, 1.12–1.78), never having had a romantic relationship (1.35, 1.05–1.70), and never having had sexual intercourse (1.51, 1.21–1.89) were all associated with substantial acne in a multivariate model. Acne is frequently found in late adolescence and is associated with social and psychological problems. Adverse events including suicidal ideation and depression that have been associated with therapies for acne may reflect the burden of substantial acne rather than the effects of medication.
ISSN:0022-202X
1523-1747
DOI:10.1038/jid.2010.264