Evaluation of peer bullying and psychosocial effects in adolescents with Acne vulgaris

AKPINAR TEKERLEK, H. Evaluation of Peer Bullying and Psychosocial Impacts in Adolescents with Acne Vulgaris. Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Veneorology Thesis, Eskişehir 2025. This study included 255 patients aged 12–18 years diagnosed with acne vulgaris, who applied to the Dermatology Clinic of Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine between 07.05.2023 and 07.05.2024, and 244 healthy volunteers in the same age range as a control group. A sociodemographic data form was prepared to record participants' age, gender, educational status, and other demographic information. Data on alcohol use and smoking, personal history, family history, as well as in the patient group, information such as the age of acne onset, disease duration, previous and current treatments for acne, and the presence of cutaneous side effects from current treatment were recorded. The Global Acne Severity Scale, acne localization, acne scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and excoriation were evaluated through dermatological examination by a dermatologist. Participants completed the Acne Quality of Life Scale (AQoL), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Olweus bully victim questonnaire (OBVQ). The anxiety and depression subscales of the HADS were found to be statistically significantly higher in patients with acne vulgaris compared to the control group. A significant positive correlation was found between AQoL scores and the anxiety and depression subscales of the HADS. Increased exposure to peer bullying was observed in patients with acne vulgaris compared to the control group, and this difference was statistically significant. Acne vulgaris patients exposed to peer bullying had significantly higher AQoL scores and HADS anxiety and depression subscale scores compared to those not exposed to peer bullying, and the difference was statistically significant. A family history of acne vulgaris and smoking were significantly higher in patients with acne vulgaris compared to the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. In conclusion, our study shows that adolescents with acne vulgaris are at greater risk of peer bullying, anxiety, and depression compared to the general population. Acne should be considered a serious medical issue and requires a holistic therapeutic approach. Key Words: acne, anxiety, depression, peer bullying.