THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF ACNE

Apart from the intense physical discomfort that serious acne can cause, it is also associated with substantial negative emotional and psychological repercussions. This is not surprising if one considers the importance modern society places on physical appearance and beauty. Many people have the mistaken belief that acne is merely a cosmetic condition, since it is not life threatening, but what they fail to see is the profound emotional scars it can cause, which persist even years after the acne has disappeared.  

What kinds of psychological effects are

associated with acne?

Acne has been linked to a variety of negative psychological effects such as low self- esteem, feelings of inferiority, worthlessness, guilt, aggression, shame, embarrassment, depression and suicide.

Why does acne affect one's self-esteem so negatively? 

 Self-esteem is the degree to which one values oneself. It is, in part, based on the reaction of others to the self. Since acne sufferers are often treated negatively by those around them this can have a very detrimental effect on their self-esteem.

During adolescence it becomes extremely important to look attractive to others. As girls and boys enter their teenage years, one of their most important concerns becomes looking beautiful. They constantly compare themselves to the ideal expressions of beauty as seen in magazines. Everyone yearns for a smooth and flawless skin, but only a few lucky one’s have it. Therefore, acne may be particularly damaging due to its onset in the adolescent years and have a devastating impact upon previously clear-skinned individuals. In fact, research   has found that for some individuals acne can be as damaging to their self-concept as major inherited or accident-related facial deformity.

Although most people do not view appearance as more important than character or intellect, they are unable to escape the importance of their appearance on their overall self-image.

Does acne medication like Roaccutane cause depression?

 Researchers differ on this issue and many conflicting opinions exist. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA), the American drug reaction monitoring body, received 431 reports of depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide in an 18-year period in Roaccutane users. On the other hand other studies report that Roaccutane has also been shown to significantly improve anxiety and depressive symptoms in acne patients, because of clearing the disfiguring acne.

Although a possible association between Roaccutane and depression has been suspected for over 15 years, no causal relationship has been established by reliable research. It seems logical to assume that many acne patients develop depression because it makes one feel so ugly, whether they are treated with the drug or not.

In the meantime, patients and relatives must be thoroughly prepared and clearly informed of the risks and be encouraged to report any symptoms of depression such as: mood changes, persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in normal activities, loss of appetite or sleeping problems. Proper pre-treatment counselling and careful monitoring of possible side effects will help to ensure successful and safe treatment.