Patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder more likely to have acne

Acne isn’t just skin-deep, especially for teens and young adults.

A new study from The Netherlands published by Acta Derm Venereol points out that many teens and young adults with acne are also fighting Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder, or BDD, is a serious mental health disorder where the person is obsessively concerned with their appearance. The condition is often associated with repetitive behaviour such as skin picking or constant grooming.

The study outlines that those with BDD often request more aggressive treatments (such as oral isotretinoin therapy and laser abrasion) for mild acne, leading to frustration and treatment drop-off when results or treatments don’t immediately match their expectations.

As skin appearance is a common area of concern in patients with BDD, dermatologists are commonly the first stop for acne treatment! This places dermatologists in a good position to screen for BDD and guide their patients towards necessary mental health support.

The research emphasises dermatologists’ role in not only treating skin but also in being vigilant about the mental health of their patients, advocating early intervention to prevent BDD from becoming a more chronic condition in adulthood.

Reference: Acta Derm Venereol 2023;103:adv6232. doi: 10.2340/actadv.v103.6232