PS01 Prevalence of baseline anxiety and depression in patients attending a tertiary virtual acne service

Abstract

Abstract Evidence suggests that the prevalence of depression and suicide in those with acne is higher than in the general population. There have also been case reports of suicide in patients taking isotretinoin for acne, although there is a lack of evidence to suggest a true causality. We know that many people with acne and acne scars struggle with impacts on emotions, social/daily activities, study, work and relationships. A prospective cohort study was undertaken, including 150 consecutive new patients in our acne clinics from 7 December 2021 to 5 July 2022 as part of a service evaluation. This project was registered with our local research and innovation team. We captured a snapshot of the demographics of our patients, including baseline Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessments (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ-9) and pre-existing mental health problems. Mean age was 26 years (range 17–46). Sixty-four per cent of patients were women and 36% were men. Thirty per cent of patients reported a previous/current mental health problem, the most common being anxiety (19.3%) and depression (18.0%). The most common medications taken previously or currently were sertraline (4.0%) and propranolol (4.0%). Initial PHQ-9 scores ranged from 0 to 29 points: 49.1% had a score of ≥ 5; 29.1% a score of ≥ 10; and 18.2% a score of ≥ 15. As a comparison, in July–August 2021, the prevalence of depression (classified as a PHQ-8 of ≥ 10) was 32% in women and 20% in men aged 16–29 years in the UK. Rates of depression in our patient cohort were therefore similar to those in the general population in this age group. Interestingly, in the general population, 17% of those aged ≥ 16 years experienced depression during this time. This is significantly higher than the prepandemic prevalence rate of 10%. Initial GAD-7 scores in our cohort ranged from 0 to 21 points: 58.7% had a score of ≥ 5; 30.3% a score of ≥ 10; and 11.0% a score of ≥ 15. As a comparison, in September–October 2021, an estimated 28% of those 16–29 years old experienced moderate–severe anxiety in the UK (GAD-7 equivalent to ≥ 10), and the prevalence was higher in women. Anxiety levels were therefore similar in our cohort compared with the general population. The prevalence of anxiety and depression is high in young adults, which has increased with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the prevalence in our acne cohort is similar to that of the general population of a similar age. It remains that those with moderate–severe acne, regardless of what treatment is received, should be screened and monitored for anxiety and depression.