Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation amongst Patients with Facial Dermatoses (Acne, Rosacea, Perioral Dermatitis, and Folliculitis) in Lithuania

Background/Objective:Skin diseases, especially those with visible manifestation, are considered to cause a major influence on global mental health. Therefore, we determined the prevalence and severity of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in a large sample of patients with facial dermatoses, namely acne, rosacea, folliculitis, and perioral dermatitis.Methods:The mental health of patients with facial dermatoses and respective controls was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and questions concerning suicidal ideation.Results:The study included 543 patients with facial dermatoses and 497 healthy individuals. Anxiety was present in 37.6% of the patients (14.9% of controls), depression in 21.7% (6.8%), and suicidal thoughts in 9.8% (3.2%) (p< 0.001). Acne patients demonstrated the highest anxiety and depression subscale scores (mean +/- standard deviation: 7.1 +/- 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.58-7.56; controls: 5 +/- 0.23, 95% CI: 4.57-5.49). In rosacea 30% of the patients had depression symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 7.216, 95% CI: 4.122-12.632,p< 0.001), while in folliculitis patients 15.4% (OR: 3.138, 95% CI: 1.241-7.936,p= 0.016) had suicidal thoughts. Patients with anxiety symptoms and suicidal thoughts were on average younger than those without (28.3 +/- 0.76 vs. 31.2 +/- 0.66 years,p= 0.001 and 25.3 +/- 0.98 vs. 30.5 +/- 0.55 years,p= 0.007, respectively).Conclusion:Acne and rosacea are associated with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in Lithuanian patients. Younger patients are more prone to report such symptoms than older ones.