A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology suggests that acne medications may not be the cause of depression and suicidal tendencies in adolescent acne sufferers, and points the finger at acne itself.
According to the study depression among those with acne, especially severe acne, is more common than in those with clear skin or mild breakouts. According to the study, suicidal thoughts were twice as common in girls with acne and three times more common in boys with acne, compared to teens without acne.
Researchers suggest that acne itself may cause higher incidence of depression and suicidal tendencies, independent of the use of acne medications. Previous studies have shown a link between depression and acne medications, namely isotretinoin or Accutane.
The takeaway message is this: parents, we need to keep a careful eye on our teens. We can't discount their feelings or flippantly say "you'll grow out of it." Acne, even mild acne, affects them.
And teens, if acne is really bothering you, if you're feeling depressed, anxious, angry, tell someone. Lots of people feel the same way you do. You can get help, you can get your acne under control.
Sources: Halvorsen JA, Stern RS, Dalgard F, Thoresen M, Bjertness E, Lien L. "Suicidal Ideation, Mental Health Problems, and Social Impairment Are Increased in Adolescents with Acne: A Population-Based Study." Journal of Investigative Dermatology advance online publication 16 September 2010; doi: 10.1038/jid.2010.264
Barak Y, Wohl Y, Greenberg Y, Bar Dayan Y, Friedman T, Shoval G, Knobler HY. "Affective psychosis following Accutane (isotretinoin) treatment." International Clinical Psychopharmacology 2005; 20(3):182.
Teens, Acne and Depression:
