ACNE VULGARIS;

Psychosocial stressors in patients

Abstract

Objective: To find out the frequency and pattern of psychosocial stressors and adverse life events in patients presenting
with Acne vulgaris. Study design: A descriptive study. Place & duration of study: The study was conducted in the Department of
Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences, in collaboration with Dermatological Department, Nishtar Hospital, Multan from September, 2012 to
November, 2012. Subjects & Methods: The sample consisted of 50 consecutive out-patients (Female-42, Male-8) with acne. They were
interviewed and The Presumptive Stressful life Events Scale (PSLES) was administered to elicit major life events and psychosocial
stressors they had to face. Results were analysed from the entries in a semi structured Performa. Results: Out of 50 patients, 94%
subjects reported more than one stress & 6% reported no stress. 15(30%) were suffering from the disease 6 months to one year. We
found more than one stressor. Results showed 46% of the participants reported Social Withdrawal, 40% had Academic Problems, 38%
showed Frustration and Anger, 32% had to face Critical Remarks / Stigmatization, 30% had Low self esteem & Negative thoughts about
self, 12% presented with Suicidal Ideas / Attempts, about 22% reported disturbed Relationship with Spouse while 14% reported the
Relationship problems with other family members. Conclusions: We concluded that psychosocial stressors and life events were present
in significant majority of patients with acne and these emotional, social, behavioural and psychological reactions have strong association
in patients suffering from acne vulgaris.