Assessment of anxiety symptoms in adults with acne vulgaris

Background: Acne vulgaris has been associated with psychiatric and psychological problems and it is one of the leading causes of anxiety in adolescents and adults. Aim of this study: To assess the link between anxiety symptoms and patients with acne vulgaris in relation to the severity of the disease, its localization and socio-demographic data. Material and Methods: A transverse cross-sectional study was undertaken from January 2010 to September 2011. In it participated 360 patients with acne vulgaris and 289 healthy individuals, of both sexes, 18-35 years old. For the assessment of the anxiety symptoms DASS questionnaire were used. Results: Patients with acne had higher level of anxiety symptoms than did controls (P<0.05). The symptoms of anxiety in patient group were not significant in relation to the severity of the disease, its localization, gender, employment and education (P>0.05). The symptoms of anxiety were significantly related to the marital status (single status) and patients age (26-35 years old) (P<0.05). Conclusion: There is a strong association of anxiety with acne vulgaris, but symptoms of anxiety are not affected by the the clinical features of the disease.