Obsessive–compulsive symptoms and quality of life in patients with acne vulgaris

Abstract

Objective or Background Acne is the most common problem that presents to dermatologists. Because it causes visible disfiguring of the face, it produces a great deal of embarrassment, frustration, anger, and depression in patients. Acne can produce anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric symptoms that affect patients’ lives. Obsessive–compulsive disorder is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders expected to be comorbid with acne vulgaris. The aim of the study was to detect obsessive–compulsive symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in patients with acne vulgaris and to compare the results with the results of healthy controls. Patients and methods In a cross-sectional design study, 150 patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris and 50 apparently healthy participants were subjected to Global Acne Grading System, Maudsley Obsessive–Compulsive Questionnaire, Short Form-36, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results Patients with acne vulgaris had higher Maudsley Obsessive–Compulsive Questionnaire scores for checking and slowness than the healthy controls. In terms of QOL, they showed significantly lower scores for physical functioning, physical role difficulty, general health perception, vitality, and emotional role difficulty than the controls. Both groups were similar in terms of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale subscores and total score. Conclusion Obsessive–compulsive symptoms are more severe in patients with acne vulgaris than in healthy participants and are negatively correlated with QOL. The presence of these and other comorbid psychiatric disorders should be considered in the treatment of patients with acne to provide better health care, referral, and management.