The association between depression and isotretinoin use in acne

Abstract

Objective: The association between isotretinoin and depression has received little attention in the psychiatric literature despite an increasing number of reports in medical journals. The purpose of this paper is to highlight this association, examine the possible link and review the clinical implications. Method: A critical review of the literature pertaining to depression in patients with acne who were treated with isotretinoin was conducted. Results and conclusions: The causal relationship between isotretinoin therapy and depression has not been clearly established and needs further study. Isotretinoin is likely to have a positive psychological impact for the majority of patients who bene..