Study advises that all young acne patients be screened for depression

Auckland, New Zealand - A University of Auckland study conducted by researchers who have studied the link between teens with acne and those who have suicidal thoughts suggests that all young people seeking treatment for acne should be screened for depression.

The recently released study used data collected during a New Zealand national secondary school health survey five years ago, and involved 9,500 children ages 12 to 18. The study found that 34 percent of the students who reported suffering from acne said they had had suicidal thoughts - and that 13 percent said they had attempted suicide.

The study’s authors say these findings suggest that doctors who see young people with acne should screen them for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and behavior.

The survey did not ask if the participants were taking any medication for their acne.