Anxiety-depressive disorders in the presence of moderate acne (a clinical case)

Abstract

The paper describes a clinical case of a 27-year-old female patient with an anxiety-depressive disorder that developed in the presence of moderate acne. The patient consulted a dermatologist about facial rashes that had been disturbing her since adolescence. Because of the cosmetic defect, the patient experienced depression, anxiety, and uneasiness and limited social contacts. Moderate acne was diagnosed using an objective examination and anamnestic data. An analysis of her mental status on the standard Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) revealed clinically significant anxiety and depression. The patient was prescribed topical treatment (with azelaic acid, adapalene); skin care was recommended. The immunomodulatory agent aminodihydrophthalazinedione sodium was given to correct stress in the presence of an anxiety-depressive state. The treatment was noted to improve the skin and to reduce the level of anxiety and stress according to the HADS. Thus, the psycho-emotional status of patients with moderate acne should be evaluated. The use of immunomodulatory drugs as part of combination therapy can normalize psycho-emotional disorders associated with skin rashes.