Acne Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Acne, including details on skin problems, diet, treatments, puberty.

Acne, depression, and suicide.

Hull PR, D'Arcy C

Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 0W8. hullp@duke.usask.ca

Acne is a common disorder that may have a considerable psychologic impact including anxiety and depression. Depression and suicide occur frequently in adolescents and young adults. Although case reports suggest an association between isotretinoin and depression and suicide, more rigorous observational studies and epidemiologic studies, using different designs, have not shown any effect of isotretinoin use in increasing the occurrence of depression and suicide. It is prudent for the practitioner to continue to use isotretinoin to treat severe acne, while at the same time informing patients and their relatives that depressive symptoms should be actively assessed at each visit and, if necessary, referral to a psychiatrist and a discontinuation of isotretinoin should be considered.

Published 22 August 2005 in Dermatol Clin, 23(4): 665-74.
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