A recent study conducted by researchers at Wake Forest School of Medicine found a correlation between rosacea severity and level of depression.

The study asked 195 rosacea patients at a university dermatology clinic to complete a questionnaire on depression. The results showed a direct statistical relationship between the severity of rosacea signs and symptoms and the degree of depression. Around 31 percent of rosacea patients reported some level of depression. Twenty-two percent had minimal depression symptoms, 7 percent had minor depression, 1 percent had moderate major depression and 1 percent had severe major depression.

Patients assessed the severity of their own rosacea symptoms on a 0-10 scale, with responses ranging from 2 (least severe) to 8 (most severe). The researchers found that patients with more serious levels of depression were more likely to have more severe rosacea symptoms: the average rosacea severity for patients with severe major depression was 5.5, whereas the average rosacea severity for patients without depression was 3.1.

Although only about a third of rosacea patients in the study suffered from some form of depression, the investigators noted that depression is associated with poor adherence to medical treatment. Rosacea can have a serious impact on mental health, but it’s also important to remember that this is a treatable condition. Through medical diagnosis and treatment, patients have the opportunity to improve not only their complexion but also their mental health and quality of life.

Reference:
Alinia H, Cardwell L, Tuchayi SM, et al. Screening for depression in rosacea patients. Cutis 2018; 102:36-38.