Isotretinoin treatment safe- may not increase suicide risk in patients with acne

Suicidal ideation is when you think about killing yourself. The thoughts might or might not include a plan to die by suicide. You may have heard suicidal ideation referred to as "suicidal thoughts." Not everyone with suicidal ideation acts on it. But if you or a loved one has it, you should get help right away Isotretinoin-related risk of depression and suicidal behavior is a topic of inconclusiveness. A crucial knowledge gap exists in defining the association of isotretinoin with other psychiatric comorbidities.

A study was conducted to evaluate the risk of psychiatric outcomes among patients with acne treated with isotretinoin versus oral antibiotics.

A global population-based retrospective cohort study enrolled two groups of patients with acne managed by isotretinoin (n=75,708) and oral antibiotics (n=75,708). Patients were compared regarding the risk of 9 psychiatric outcomes.

Results:

• Relative to those treated with oral antibiotics, patients prescribed isotretinoin experienced lower risk of depression but comparable risk of major depressive disorder
• Risk of suicidal attempts was comparable between groups despite the elevated risk of suicidal ideation in those under isotretinoin
• Patients under isotretinoin had lower risk of post-traumatic stress disorder anxiety bipolar disorder schizophrenia and adjustment disorder

Isotretinoin confers lower risk of six psychiatric comorbidities and comparable risk of suicidal attempts.

Reference:

Khalaf Kridin and Ralf J. Ludwig. Isotretinoin and the risk of psychiatric disturbances - A global study shedding new light on a debatable story. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Published:October 19, 2022DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2022.10.031

Keywords:

Isotretinoin, treatment, increased, risk, suicide, attempts, patients, acne, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Khalaf Kridin and Ralf J. Ludwig, Acne, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics, depression, suicidal attempt, suicidal ideation, psychiatric disturbances