Depression, body image and quality of life in acne scars

Acne scars commonly occur in almost 95% of adolescents having acne. Depression and the psychosocial impact of acne have been studied by previous researchers but there are few studies on acne scar patients.

To study the prevalence of depression, body image, and quality of life in patients with acne scars and the correlation of depression with body image and quality of life.

Around 81 patients above 18 years of age clinically diagnosed as having different grades of acne by a dermatologist were assessed for depression using Becks Depression Inventory, Body image concern inventory, and Dermatology Life Quality Index and included in the study after being informed consent.

The mean duration of acne was 6.03 ± 2.9 years, and acne scar was 2.88 ± 1.2 years. Nearly 93% of our sample had an equal preponderance of Grade 1 and Grade 2 acne scars. 31 (38.27%) patients had clinical depression with a total mean BDI score of 16.8 ± 9.7. 15 (18.5%) and 7 (8.6%) patients had moderate and severe depression respectively. Only 5 (6.17%) patients reported significant body image disturbances. All patients reported a very large effect on the quality of life due to flaws in facial appearance leading to feelings of embarrassment and impairment in sexual activities. Depression was significantly associated with grade 1 and 2 scars, body image disturbances, and quality of life.

There is a high prevalence of depression in patients with acne scarring which needs to be detected and treated. Liaison with a psychiatrist would improve the outcome.