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Posts Tagged ‘depression’

Isotretinoin Helps Acne and Emotions: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

There is no doubt that acne affects your skin, but it can also have a major impact on your emotional well-being. This is especially true for teenagers, who are already trying to navigate through many new social, physical and hormonal changes.

Many parents’ first reaction to the suggestion of treating their teenage son or daughter’s severe acne with isotretinoin or Accutane is one of great hesitation.  It’s understandable with all the mis-information about the risks of isotretinoin’s potential side effects in the media and on the internet.  While depression is listed as a possible side effect, I have found that in most cases with teenagers, they actually become less depressed as their skin improves and their confidence builds.

Following is a brief about the effects of acne and the treatment of isotretinoin:

THURSDAY, March 24 (HealthDay News) — Adolescents who suffer from acne are more likely to have a lower quality of life and psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation, according to research published in the January issue of the Dermatology Online Journal.

Lauren K. Dunn, Ph.D., from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., and colleagues determined the impact of acne on quality of life, and its effect on self-esteem, mood, and psychological disorders in adolescents aged 13 to 18 years.

The researchers found that the presence of acne had a significant impact on adolescents’ self-esteem and quality of life. Acne was linked to increased incidence of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Acne treatment with isotretinoin was found to improve quality of life and decrease depressive symptoms.

What I have also seen in my practice is how low self-esteem from acne can follow adolescents into their adulthood.  Even if their acne has cleared, adults may still suffer from its emotional effects and from physical scarring.  That is why treatment of acne early on is so important and the option of using isotretinoin in certain cases should be a consideration.  Successful treatment of acne in teenagers requires open and clear communication between the doctor, the parent and the patient.

 

Skin Issues Go More Than Skin Deep - Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

As highlighted in Dermatology Times, people with skin problems of all kinds are most likely to also experience depression, anxiety or psychosis, according to a study presented at the annual Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting.

The study, conducted by the National Health Interview Survey, found that 30 percent of people with skin diseases reported depression versus 15 percent without skin problems.

I am so glad the devastating mental and physical effects of skin diseases are finally being recognized.  I often see depression in patients with skin problems, especially those with scarring acne conditions.  The medical community is now viewing acne as a potentially life-altering disorder, not just a phase to get through during puberty.  Teens and adults alike do not need to put up with acne, but should seek care from a dermatologist.  The best course is immediate treatment and a long-term plan to reduce the acne and prevent scarring.  Proper treatment can also help alleviate the psychological effects acne can have on a person’s well being and keep their self-esteem up!

 

A “Happy” Side Effect from Botox?

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

Remember the old saying, “Just smile, you’ll feel better”?  Well, there is now research suggesting that relaxing negative facial expressions with Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) could improve your mood!  A recent article in  Time Magazine highlights two studies wherein patients reported  less depression after receiving Botox injections.  The theory behind Botox as a “mood enhancer” is that by reducing negative expressions you reduce negative feelings - frowning less makes you feel better.  Another reason to love Botox!  I look forward to more studies and hearing further evidence on this potential benefit.

 

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