Teens with acne may be at a higher risk for depression

By Staff Writer

The connection between acne and depression has long been documented, especially in teens. Some experts attributed this to particular medications for acne such as isotretinoin, CNN reports. However, a recent study in the British Medical Journal found that the drug itself may not matter; according to Swedish researchers, acne itself raises the risk of depression and suicide attempt.

In teenagers, self-esteem may take a particular dive with acne because others may be making fun of them, and their anxiety about others' perceptions of them can result in depression, according to a psychologist from California. In fact, anything that makes teens stand out can make them see themselves in a negative light, she added.

Depression may also worsen acne, because depressed people's motivation to take care of themselves and to follow their doctor's recommended skin routine is lower. Stress in general can also exacerbate acne, but not cause it.

Parent of an adolescent with acne should be on high alert, according to some experts.

According to research conducted by PBS, major depression affects approximately 15 million American adults - or about 8 percent of the U.S. population - age 18 and older in a given year.