Psychiatry Research EG

Background The influence of acne on body image is believed to be the main factor associated with psychological morbidity. As the face is almost always the site of involvement of acne, its presence can alter one’s perception of body image. Psychiatric disorders can develop secondary to acne vulgaris. Aim of the work This work was carried out to evaluate the psychological morbidity and effects of acne vulgaris on quality of life. Patients and methods A total of 140 patients with acne vulgaris were assessed for severity of acne using the acne severity scale and for depressive and anxiety disorder using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results There were a statistically significant relation between acne severity and severity of depression and anxiety on assessment scales. The relation between acne severity and DLQI was statistically significant. In most patients with mild acne severity, a minor effect on DLQI was present, whereas in most patients with severe acne, severe effects were present. Conclusion Treatment needs to address both the primary skin condition and the psychiatric manifestations. Keywords: domestic violence, psychological morbidity, quality of life