Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 5)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 5)
Neuroscience
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Translational Science
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Depression and anxiety are the two most prevalent mental health disorders in the United States and are frequently associated with significant psychological and physical effects. Emerging evidence indicates a correlation between mental health disorders and dermatological conditions, where hormonal imbalances can induce and exacerbate skin conditions. However, research exploring this correlation within predominantly Hispanic populations is limited. In this retrospective analysis, our objective was to determine the correlation between anxiety, depression, and acne diagnosis over the past five years, with the goal of uncovering potential disparities in ethnic and gender disparities in healthcare.
Methods: We obtained patient data of 21,190 patients from UThealth RGV from January 2019 to January 2024, focusing on individuals diagnosed with depression (F32.xs), anxiety (F41.xs), and/or acne (L70.x) diagnosis by utilizing ICD 10 codes. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients who either had depression or anxiety and were subsequently diagnosed with acne. Demographic information, including ethnicity and gender, was also collected. Comparative and descriptive statistical analysis was utilized in Microsoft Excel to analyze the data.
Results: Among the 9,843 patients diagnosed with depression, it was found that 300 were also diagnosed with acne, with 79.9% of these cases developing after the initial diagnosis of depression. Of the 300 patients diagnosed with depression and acne, 250 (69.8%) identified as Hispanic, and 240 (67%) were female. Similarly, among the 11,347 patients diagnosed with anxiety, we found that 412 patients also had acne, with 75% of these cases occurring after the initial diagnosis. Of the 412 patients, 290 (70.4%) identified as Hispanic and 294 (71.4%) were female.
Conclusions: These findings suggest a noteworthy correlation between mental health conditions like depression and anxiety and dermatological conditions like acne, especially among Hispanic females. This association highlights the importance of integrated care models that address both mental and dermatological health. Furthermore, the lower incidence of acne reported among males calls for further investigation into sociocultural influences and barriers to accessing healthcare. This gender disparity suggests that acne is underreported or underdiagnosed in males, possibly due to psychological factors, societal stigmas, or the difference in healthcareseeking behaviors. Further analysis involves more skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, which will further elucidate the relationship and provide a deeper understanding of the underlying causes linking mental health disorders to dermatological conditions.
Recommended Citation
Khan, Shiza; Ybanez, Kaitlyn D.; Oestreich, Maci D.; Escamilla, Jennifer V.; and Potter-Baker, Kelsey A., "Association Between Anxiety, Depression, and Acne in a Primarily Hispanic Population: A Retrospective Five-Year Analysis" (2025). Research Symposium. 148.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/148
Included in
Association Between Anxiety, Depression, and Acne in a Primarily Hispanic Population: A Retrospective Five-Year Analysis
Background: Depression and anxiety are the two most prevalent mental health disorders in the United States and are frequently associated with significant psychological and physical effects. Emerging evidence indicates a correlation between mental health disorders and dermatological conditions, where hormonal imbalances can induce and exacerbate skin conditions. However, research exploring this correlation within predominantly Hispanic populations is limited. In this retrospective analysis, our objective was to determine the correlation between anxiety, depression, and acne diagnosis over the past five years, with the goal of uncovering potential disparities in ethnic and gender disparities in healthcare.
Methods: We obtained patient data of 21,190 patients from UThealth RGV from January 2019 to January 2024, focusing on individuals diagnosed with depression (F32.xs), anxiety (F41.xs), and/or acne (L70.x) diagnosis by utilizing ICD 10 codes. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients who either had depression or anxiety and were subsequently diagnosed with acne. Demographic information, including ethnicity and gender, was also collected. Comparative and descriptive statistical analysis was utilized in Microsoft Excel to analyze the data.
Results: Among the 9,843 patients diagnosed with depression, it was found that 300 were also diagnosed with acne, with 79.9% of these cases developing after the initial diagnosis of depression. Of the 300 patients diagnosed with depression and acne, 250 (69.8%) identified as Hispanic, and 240 (67%) were female. Similarly, among the 11,347 patients diagnosed with anxiety, we found that 412 patients also had acne, with 75% of these cases occurring after the initial diagnosis. Of the 412 patients, 290 (70.4%) identified as Hispanic and 294 (71.4%) were female.
Conclusions: These findings suggest a noteworthy correlation between mental health conditions like depression and anxiety and dermatological conditions like acne, especially among Hispanic females. This association highlights the importance of integrated care models that address both mental and dermatological health. Furthermore, the lower incidence of acne reported among males calls for further investigation into sociocultural influences and barriers to accessing healthcare. This gender disparity suggests that acne is underreported or underdiagnosed in males, possibly due to psychological factors, societal stigmas, or the difference in healthcareseeking behaviors. Further analysis involves more skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, which will further elucidate the relationship and provide a deeper understanding of the underlying causes linking mental health disorders to dermatological conditions.
