The Effects of Alopecia Areata and Acne Vulgaris on Psychiatric State

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between psychiatric symptoms and alopecia areata, acne vulgaris which have their places among psychosomatic dermatoses and the effects of treatment on psychiatric symptoms.Methods: Patients with alopecia areata and acne vulgaris, and healthy people as a control were enrolled in the study. Each group consisted of 25 peoples. Hamilton depression rating scale, Beck depression inventory, Hamilton anxiety rating scale, Maudsley obsessive compulsive questionnaire, state-trait anxiety invertory-1 and state-trait anxiety invertory-2 were evaluated with each patient both before and after treatment. Control group was evaluated with the same test at first interview and three months later.Results: Depressive symptoms and anxiety levels before the treatment were found to be high in both patient groups, being more significant in alopecia group. Significant improvements in all psychiatric symptoms were observed in both groups after treatment. It is determined that trait anxiety and sensed depression signs were high in female patients in both groups. Trait anxiety and sensed depression signs in female patients in alopecia group were even higher than those in acne group. In patients with recurrence history in both groups, depression signs were observed. In alopecia group, for younger ages, response to treatment was found to be lower and increase in trait anxiety and sensed depression signs were found in these patients being parallel to increasing time of illness. Conclusion: Finding symptoms of depression and anxiety before the treatment in our study, shows the need for effective management in alopecia areata and acne vulgaris patients