Depression, psychiatric comorbidities, and psychosocial implications associated with acne vulgaris

Background Acne vulgaris is a highly prevalent skin condition associated with considerable psychological burden. Acne and its sequelae can affect many domains of life leading to social dysfunction, psychiatric issues and educational shortcomings. Psychiatric conditions like depression is found to be more prevalent in acne patients as compared to general population. Aims To evaluate importance of screening for depression in acne patients since screening tools in outpatient departments can help dermatologists assess the psychological state of the patient. Method Papers selected for the review included review articles in English language and all original research relevant to the topic, in the form of cohort studies, and case-control studies. Conclusions This article studies the impact of acne across the various aspects of life and highlights the importance of a timely diagnosis and referral. This can be helpful in preventing the long-term consequences of acne in terms of physical as well as psychological health.