The Emotional Effects of Acne

By Sophia Panych, Allure magazine

We just read some sad-and frightening-news about how acne can affect one's emotional state. A recent study funded by the Norwegian Institute for Public Health and posted on the Journal of Investigative Dermatology this week, has found that teenagers who suffer from severe acne are two or three times as likely (girls and boys respectively) to have thoughts of suicide and experience depression than those with clear complexions.

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The study involved teenagers in the general population, which the experts think makes the results more realistic: Most studies only focus on teens who are under doctor's care for their acne, but the reality is that most cases of severe teen acne are left untreated. Nearly 25 percent of the teens who had "very much" acne said they'd had thoughts of suicide, compared with 11 percent of the study participants overall.

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It may seem obvious that something like cystic acne, a condition that is visible and embarrassing, can cause low-self esteem, in turn bringing about some form of depression. But the study does highlight an important and serious issue that needs to be addressed. "Health care systems and schools should be aware of problem," said researcher Jon Halvorsen, professor of dermatology at the University of Oslo, adding that teens suffering from severe acne should be encouraged to seek treatment.

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