[The psychological status of acne patients. Personality structure and physician-patient relations]

The results of various studies dealing with the situation and psychological state of acne sufferers and their relationship to their doctors are presented. It was shown that out of approximately 2.7 to 3.5 million acne sufferers, only some 500,000 are presently undergoing medical treatment. Failure to seek medical treatment is closely associated with the fact that acne sufferers for the most part expect to be disappointed with the results. For a number of psychological reasons (self-consciousness, contact difficulties, low level of frustration tolerance) a substantial number of acne sufferers are particularly sensitive to actual or supposed lack of acceptance on the part of their doctors. Greater consideration of their psychological situation might improve the therapeutic outcome, increase compliance, and lead to a greater confidence in the doctor.