Acne, anxiety, depression and suicide in teenagers: a cross-sectional survey of New Zealand secondary school students.

D. Purvis, E. Robinson, S. Merry & P. Watson, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, v.42, n.12, 2006, pp.793-96.

A secondary analysis of data from a survey of youth health in New Zealand, this study investigates the association between acne and depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviour among secondary school students. A total of 9,567 students aged 12-18 years completed a survey measuring self-reports of acne, depressive symptoms, anxiety and suicide attempts. According to the results, 14.1% of students reported having problem acne, 14.1% had 'clinically relevant depressive symptoms', 4.8% reported anxiety, 23.6% reported suicidal ideation and Z8% reported having attempted suicide in the past 12 months. Logistic regression models (including age, gender, ethnicity, school decile and measures of socioeconomic status) showed that problem ache was associated with an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms, anxiety and suicide attempts. The increased likelihood of suicide attempts remained after controlling for depressive symptoms and anxiety. Findings suggest that adolescents presenting with acne should not only be screened for depressive and mood symptoms, but should also be screened for suicidal behaviour.