The controversial alleged association between isotretinoin and depression and/or suicide has dogged the dermatology community for more than a decade. Despite several studies that failed to show a negative correlation,1,2,3 a few inconclusive studies and reports suggesting a risk for depression4,5 plus several high-profile instances of suicide by patients taking isotretinoin raised concern about the drug among both physicians and patients.
A warning regarding risk for depression and suicidal ideation was added to the isotretinoin label in 1998, and prescribers have been advised to caution patients about possible depression associated with use of the drug.6,7 Yet a causal relationship between isotretinoin use and depression or suicide had not been definitively established. Specialists have noted that acne itself, rather than isotretinoin use, is associated with depression, anxiety, and diminished quality of life (QoL).8,9,14 In fact, a new study shows a correlation between acne severity and depression and that acne treatment improves QoL.10 Furthermore, a new, large study has failed to identify a link between isotretinoin use and suicide and found that the attempted suicide risk in severe acne patients actually was lower during treatment compared to after treatment. 11 Following is a review of the latest data on isotretion, suicide, and depression, a look at updated AAD guidelines regarding isotretinoin, and implications for clinical care.
Recent Findings
Conventional dosing of isotretinoin ranges from 0.5 to
1.0mg/kg per day to reach a total cumulative dose of
120 to 150mg/kg, usually obtained in 16-32 weeks. To
minimize the risk of adverse events (including skin
dryness and irritation, cheilitis, etc.), low-dose
isotretinoin (ranging from 0.25 to 5mg/kg/day) has
been widely adopted. A recent comparative study found no statistical difference in efficacy between
patients treated with traditional isotretinoin doses (0.5-
1.0mg/kg/day) and those treated with low isotretinoin
doses (0.25-0.4mg/kg/day). However, there was higher
patient satisfaction in the low dose group. Moreover,
both continuous dosing regimens were significantly
more effective than an intermittent dosing regimen
(0.5-0.7mg/kg/day for one week every four weeks.12
An Australian retrospective review of more than 1,700 patients treated with isotretinoin for acne confirmed a lower rate of adverse events (AEs) with lower doses.13 Among patients receiving 10-20mg isotretinon daily, there were no serious AEs reported. The most common side effects reported among all isotretinointreated patients were cheilitis (dose-dependent), eczema, and mood changes. Each AE occurred significantly less frequently among those patients receiving a dose less than 0.25mg/kg/day compared to more than 0.75mg/kg/day (Table 1). Most mood change was preceded by tiredness and was self-reported as mild in most cases. In total, 13 patients discontinued isotretinoin therapy due to mood changes.
A recent Swedish study assessed risk for suicide associated with isotretinoin therapy and failed to identify a causal relationship. The investigators evaluated 5,756 patients ranging in age from 15 to 49 years who received isotretinon for severe acne and evaluated attempted suicide risk before, during, and after treatment. 10 In total, 128 patients were admitted to the hospital for attempted suicide. However, analysis showed that the incidence of suicide was raised before initiation of therapy. In the year before treatment, the risk of attempted suicide began to rise in severe acne patients. Moreover, the risk of attempted suicide was even higher in the six month period after isotretinoin therapy was completed. Only after three years postisotretinoin therapy did the attempted suicide risk reflect that of the general population. The authors concluded that collectively, these observations do not support a causal relationship between isotretinoin and depression.
The Swedish investigators concluded that isotretinoin should not automatically be withheld from a patient with severe acne and a history of depression. In the study, the incidence of suicide was already increased in severe acne patients before isotretinoin therapy initiation. They interestingly found that patients who had attempted suicide before treatment made fewer attempts during treatment compared to those who had not made previous attempts. These findings lend support to the argument that acne itself increases an individual's risk for suicide. Moreover, other investigators have shown that isotretinoin treatment for severe acne actually alleviates depressive symptoms and improves acne-related QoL.10,14
Data supporting the theory that acne confers its own mental health risks was gathered in a recent Norwegian questionnaire-based study. Approximately 3,700 patients between 18-19 years old were surveyed on the effect of acne on their mental and social functioning. The investigators found that substantial acne was associated with a higher risk of suicidal ideation and mental health problems. Additionally, these patients had a lower level of social functioning, particularly a low attachment to friends, not thriving in school, and an impairment of romantic relationships.15
Clinical Implications
As noted above, ample data document an association
between acne and depression and decreased QoL.
Findings from the currently available studies show
that patients with severe acne are at increased risk of
suicide even before initiating isotretinoin and that this
risk continues after completion of isotretinoin therapy.
Severe acne itself may correlate with increased depression
and suicide risk, and treatment with isotretinoin
may improve symptoms of depression from poor quality
of life as a result of severe acne. While a causal
relationship cannot be established between
isotretinoin and depression, all severe acne patients
should be carefully monitored for suicidal behavior
before, during, and after treatment.
So why is continued monitoring after treatment so important? Why was the risk of attempted suicide highest in the six month period after completion of isotretinoin in the Swedish study? Perhaps this, too, relates to QoL. Response to isotretinoin therapy can be dramatic and rapid. However, the social benefits of clear skin may not be as quickly evident. Patients who have unrealistic expectations of treatment outcomes— including associated social and QoL improvements— may be particularly prone to psychological distress if those expectations aren't met. Consider, too, that severe acne is associated with risk of scarring, which can be disfiguring. While treatment with isotretinoin helps prevent the formation of new scars, it does not improve existing scars. Therefore, patients whose acne responds to oral isotretinoin may still suffer psychological sequelae from scarring even after acne improves. Fortunately, in an era of fractionated laser therapies, there is hope for improvement of these scars.
The Take Away
The true relationship between severe acne, isotretion
therapy, and depression is still to be elucidated.
Despite newer data, prescribers cannot dismiss the
association between isotretinoin and depression, given
that the drug may modulate serotonin signaling in the
brain.16 Regardless of the type of treatment selected,
physicians must assess and monitor the psychological
health of all acne patients, especially those with severe
acne. Continued monitoring beyond the active treatment
period is essential.
This past November, the AAD updated its position
of isotretinoin, noting in part:
• “A correlation between isotretinoin use and
depression/anxiety symptoms has been suggested but
an evidence-based causal relationship has not been
established. Other studies give evidence that treatment
of acne with isotretinoin was accompanied by
improvement of both depressive and anxiety symptoms,
as well as improved quality of life of patients
with acne.”
• “The Association concludes that the prescription
of isotretinoin for severe nodular acne continues to be
appropriate as long as prescribing physicians are
aware of the issues related to isotretinoin use, including
IBD or psychiatric disturbance, and educate their
patients about these and other potential risks.
Physicians also should monitor their patients for any
indication of IBD and depressive symptoms.”
In light of these findings and recommendations, clinicians must focus on careful monitoring of patients with severe acne, especially those treated with isotretinoin. Patients should be monitored throughout treatment and for up to one year after. In addition to the prescribing dermatologist, the family physician or pediatrician, the patient's family, and the patient him/herself should be recruited to participate in monitoring and reporting of psychological symptoms, including change in mood, depression, or suicidal ideology or behavior.
Establishing appropriate expectations of treatment is crucial. Patients must understand that medical treatment can treat and prevent acne lesions but will not treat existing scars. Treatment, while generally associated with improved QoL, does not ensure any social benefits.
Dr. Zeichner has no relevant conflicts of interest.
Take-Home Tips.
Accumulating evidence suggests that severe acne
is associated with significant psychological and quality of life
influences that may have more impact on suicide risk more so than
isotretinoin does. All patients with severe acne require comprehensive
monitoring, including by family members and other physicians.
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