Isotretinoin treatment safe- may not increase suicide risk in patients with acne
Isotretinoin treatment is not associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts in patients with acne suggests a recent study published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
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
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