Isotretinoin acne treatment likely does not increase patients’ risk of depression, according to a recent literature review.
The researchers completed a meta-analysis and review of the literature published from inception until September 30, 2016, and included data on controlled or prospective noncontrolled treatment trials on 15 or more patients with acne being treated with isotretinoin. The researchers also measured the prevalence of depression among patients and changes in depression scores.
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Of all the studies conducted, a total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria.
The review indicated that, in the controlled studies, depression scores did not change significantly from baseline between patients taking isotretinoin and those taking an alternative treatment. Depression significantly declined after isotretinoin treatment, and the mean depression scores decreased significantly from baseline.
“Isotretinoin treatment for acne does not appear to be associated with an increased risk for depression,” the researchers concluded. “Moreover, the treatment of acne appears to ameliorate depressive symptoms.”
—Christina Vogt
Reference:
Huang YC, Cheng YC. Isotretinoin treatment for acne and risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(6):1068-1076.e9. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2016.12.028.
Isotretinoin acne treatment likely does not increase patients’ risk of depression, according to a recent literature review.
The researchers completed a meta-analysis and review of the literature published from inception until September 30, 2016, and included data on controlled or prospective noncontrolled treatment trials on 15 or more patients with acne being treated with isotretinoin. The researchers also measured the prevalence of depression among patients and changes in depression scores.
__________________________________________________________________________
RELATED CONTENT
Increased Awareness Needed for Topical Corticosteroid Misuse
The Psychosocial Impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
__________________________________________________________________________
Of all the studies conducted, a total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria.
The review indicated that, in the controlled studies, depression scores did not change significantly from baseline between patients taking isotretinoin and those taking an alternative treatment. Depression significantly declined after isotretinoin treatment, and the mean depression scores decreased significantly from baseline.
“Isotretinoin treatment for acne does not appear to be associated with an increased risk for depression,” the researchers concluded. “Moreover, the treatment of acne appears to ameliorate depressive symptoms.”
—Christina Vogt
Reference:
Huang YC, Cheng YC. Isotretinoin treatment for acne and risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(6):1068-1076.e9. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2016.12.028.
Isotretinoin acne treatment likely does not increase patients’ risk of depression, according to a recent literature review.
The researchers completed a meta-analysis and review of the literature published from inception until September 30, 2016, and included data on controlled or prospective noncontrolled treatment trials on 15 or more patients with acne being treated with isotretinoin. The researchers also measured the prevalence of depression among patients and changes in depression scores.
__________________________________________________________________________
RELATED CONTENT
Increased Awareness Needed for Topical Corticosteroid Misuse
The Psychosocial Impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
__________________________________________________________________________
Of all the studies conducted, a total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria.
The review indicated that, in the controlled studies, depression scores did not change significantly from baseline between patients taking isotretinoin and those taking an alternative treatment. Depression significantly declined after isotretinoin treatment, and the mean depression scores decreased significantly from baseline.
“Isotretinoin treatment for acne does not appear to be associated with an increased risk for depression,” the researchers concluded. “Moreover, the treatment of acne appears to ameliorate depressive symptoms.”
—Christina Vogt
Reference:
Huang YC, Cheng YC. Isotretinoin treatment for acne and risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(6):1068-1076.e9. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2016.12.028.
