Evaluation of depressive symptoms in acne patients treated with isotretinoin

Depression among patients with acne vulgaris: does disease severity matter?

Acne vulgaris has a significant impact on an individual's mental health and well-being. To investigate the impact of acne vulgaris on mental health of patients. This case-control study was conducted on 93 patients with acne vulgaris and 93 age- and sex- matched healthy volunteers as control group, using the standard Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire, from November 2020 to March 2021. The depression score was significantly higher in acne sufferers, and was correlated with disease severity. On the other hand, no significant relationship was found between anxiety score and acne. It can also be seen that depression and anxiety are significantly more common in women and also in younger ages. This study pointed out the importance of evaluating depression signs in patients with acne vulgaris, which could have a significant effect on patients' quality of life.

Evaluation of isotretinoin effects on depression, sleep apnea and sleep quality

BACKGROUND

Isotretinoin is used to treat severe acne, treatment-resistant moderate acne, and acne that leads to scarring or psychological distress. It has many side effects and is also associated with depression, sleep apnea, and sleep disturbances.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of isotretinoin on depression, sleep apnea, and sleep quality.

METHODS

A total of 42 patients diagnosed with acne and started isotretinoin treatment were included in the study. In order to compare the effects of isotretinoin, patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire containing the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline and third months of treatment.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in BDI, BQ, and PSQI scores between the 1st and 3rd months of treatment (p = .53, p = .5, p = .35).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that isotretinoin had no significant effects on depression and sleep quality.

Adverse Events in Isotretinoin Therapy: A Single-Arm Meta-Analysis

Isotretinoin (ISO) is an oral prescription-only retinoid, well known for its acne-treating effect. However, it affects a substantial number of human cell types, causing a broad spectrum of adverse effects. The purpose of this study is to establish the isotretinoin therapy adverse events among human clinical trials and their prevalence. Two authors (J.K., J.L.) systematically performed the literature review and assessment from December 2021-February 2022. Three databases (PubMed, ClinicalTrials, and Cochrane Library) were searched using the following terms: "isotretinoin acne vulgaris" for published studies in English from 1980-2021. Finally, 25 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and five open-label clinical trials provided 3274 acne vulgaris suffering patients. Isotretinoin therapy affects almost all of the systems in the human body, causing numerous adverse events. However, they mainly concern mild mucocutaneous conditions (severe cases are rare) and represent individual responses to a drug. In addition, all adverse events are reversible and can be avoided by specific preparations.

Isotretinoin and neuropsychiatric side effects: Continued vigilance is needed

Background

Isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid, marketed under the names Accutane, Roaccutane, and others) is an effective treatment for acne that has been on the market for over 30 years, although reports of neuropsychiatric side effects continue to be reported. Isotretinoin is an isomer of the active form of Vitamin A, 13-trans-retinoic acid, which has known psychiatric side effects when given in excessive doses, and is part of the family of compounds called retinoids, which have multiple functions in the central nervous system.

Methods

The literature was reviewed in pubmed and psychinfo for research related to isotretinoin and neuropsychiatric side effects including depression, suicidal thoughts, suicide, mania, anxiety, impulsivity, emotional lability, violence, aggression, and psychosis.

Results

Multiple case series have shown that successful treatment of acne with isotretinoin results in improvements in measures of quality of life and self esteem However, studies show individual cases of clinically significant depression and other neuropsychiatric events that, although not common, are persistent in the literature. Since the original cases of depression were reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration, numerous cases have been reported to regulatory agencies in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, Canada, and other countries, making isotretinoin one of the top five medications in the world associated with depression and other neuropsychiatric side effects. Clinicians are advised to warn patients of the risks of neuropsychiatric side effects with isotretinoin which may arise from the medication itself, and not just as a side effect of acne or youth.

Isotretinoin for acne vulgaris - an update on adverse effects and laboratory monitoring

A significant barrier to the usage of isotretinoin has been concerns regarding its adverse effect profile. The dose-dependent mucocutaneous side effects of isotretinoin are well recognised and easily managed, particularly if a lower dose is used. A possible association with depression has gained widespread media attention and is a source of concern for many patients and their carers, but data from prospective studies and recent meta-analyses has been reassuring. Furthermore, there has been much confusion amongst both patients and physicians regarding a possible association with inflammatory bowel disease, as well the ocular and rheumatological adverse effects of isotretinoin. We provide an update on the evidence surrounding the adverse effects of isotretinoin, and discuss practical strategies to prevent and manage these adverse effects. We also discuss appropriate laboratory monitoring for patients taking isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin in Acne Vulgaris Complicated by Underlying Major Depression: A Case Report and Review of Literature

We relay the case of a teenage female with severe facial acne vulgaris and a past psychiatric history of major depressive disorder who presented to the emergency department with a primary complaint of ongoing suicidal ideation. Defining features of this case stem from the patient endorsing that her suicidal ideation was a result of her severe acne and the coinciding social perturbation it caused. Additionally, the patient reported that just four months prior to the current presentation, her dermatologist started her on isotretinoin therapy for the management of acne vulgaris. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there have been no reported cases which describe a teenage female presenting with active suicidal ideation secondary to severe acne vulgaris while concurrently undergoing treatment with isotretinoin. Given the controversial but reported association between isotretinoin and increased suicidality, we considered the appropriateness of continuing this medication for our patient. We then conducted a literature search evaluating the evidence concerning this association. In what follows, we present a unique case report and provide a thorough review of the evidence-or lack thereof-surrounding the relationship between isotretinoin and suicidality. Additionally, the authors aim to provide recommendations for the management of future patients who may present under similar circumstances.

Psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior in patients with acne prescribed oral antibiotics versus isotretinoin: Analysis of a large commercial insurance claims database

BACKGROUND

The association between isotretinoin and psychiatric disturbance, including depression and suicidal behavior, is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether acne patients prescribed isotretinoin or antibiotics were more likely to have psychiatric disorders and/or engage in suicidal behavior.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study using the IBM MarketScan Research Databases, which contain commercial insurance claims in the United States, to identify acne patients who were prescribed isotretinoin or oral antibiotics between 2011 and 2017 and who were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders or suicidal behavior.

RESULTS

A total of 72,555 patients were included in the study. Patients in the general population were 1.47 times more likely to be diagnosed with suicidal ideation or attempt compared to acne patients prescribed isotretinoin (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.47; confidence interval [95% CI], 1.27, 1.70; P < .0001). The general population (adjusted OR 0.87; 95% CI, 0.84, 0.89; P < .0001) and acne patients prescribed antibiotics (adjusted OR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.85, 0.91; P < .0001) were less likely to have a psychiatric diagnosis compared to acne patients prescribed isotretinoin. The prevalence of suicidal behavior during isotretinoin treatment was lower (0.10%; P = .082) than in the year prior to isotretinoin treatment (0.22%) and in the year following treatment (0.34%; P = .004).

LIMITATIONS

The study excluded individuals with public insurance and those who were uninsured, and the data in the study relied on the accuracy of the medical coding.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the general population, acne patients prescribed isotretinoin were less likely to engage in suicidal behavior. Further exploration into the slight increase in suicidal behavior seen in isotretinoin patients 1 year after therapy is warranted.

Optimizing Isotretinoin Treatment of Acne: Update on Current Recommendations for Monitoring, Dosing, Safety, Adverse Effects, Compliance, and Outcomes

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease treated by dermatologists. It can be severe and result in permanent scars. Isotretinoin is the most effective treatment for acne and has the potential for long-term clearance. Prescribing and monitoring protocols can vary widely among prescribers. Recent studies, reports, and consensus statements help shed light on optimizing the use of isotretinoin for acne. A recent literature review is summarized in this article to help the practitioner optimize isotretinoin use for acne. The article outlines the advantages and disadvantages of standard, high-dose, and low-dose isotretinoin regimens; discusses the current status of controversies surrounding isotretinoin (including depression/suicide, pregnancy, and inflammatory bowel disease); reviews monitoring recommendations and treatment for hypertriglyceridemia and elevated transaminase levels; and discusses common adverse effects seen with isotretinoin, along with their treatment and prevention.

Is there an association between isotretinoin therapy and adverse mood changes? A prospective study in a cohort of acne patients

Background: Treatment with isotretinoin has been associated with adverse mood changes. However, even though a number of studies support this association, others refute it, and a concrete causal link has yet to be proven. Acne itself is associated with depressive symptoms, thus making studies on the topic difficult to design and interpret. Objectives and methods: Using validated tools, we performed a prospective study in order to assess the effects of treatment with isotretinoin on the mood of patients with acne vulgaris. Results: Fifty-six patients were included with a mean age of 21 years. At baseline, questionnaire scores for all measured parameters were indicative of lower mood than published norms. During and after treatment, values of either stable or improving mood were displayed across all questionnaires. Three patients developed significantly deteriorating moods, two of whom also experienced severe physical adverse effects. Conclusion: The relationship between isotretinoin and depression is the most debated aspect of isotretinoin therapy. Our results link isotretinoin to an overall improvement in psychological wellbeing, even in patients suffering with stable mental illness. However, we also found that a small minority of patients are susceptible to severe mood deterioration, particularly in conjunction with severe physical side effects.

Use of isotretinoin and risk of depression in patients with acne: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of isotretinoin and the risk of depression in patients with acne.

DESIGN

This was a meta-analysis in which the standardised mean difference (SMD) and the relative risk (RR) were used for data synthesis employing the random-effects model.

SETTING

Studies were identified via electronic searches of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library from inception up to 28 December 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with acne.

INTERVENTIONS

Studies comparing isotretinoin with other interventions in patients with acne were included.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were selected. The analysis of 17 studies showed a significant association of the use of isotretinoin with improved symptoms compared with the baseline before treatment (SMD = -0.33, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.15, p<0.05; I²=76.6%, p<0.05)). Four studies were related to the analysis of the risk of depression. The pooled data indicated no association of the use of isotretinoin with the risk of depressive disorders (RR=1.15, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.21, p=0.14). The association of the use of isotretinoin with the risk of depressive disorders was statistically significant on pooling retrospective studies (RR=1.39, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.84, p=0.02), but this association was not evident on pooling prospective studies (RR=0.85, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.21, p=0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested an association of the use of isotretinoin in patients with acne with significantly improved depression symptoms. Future randomised controlled trials are needed to verify the present findings.

A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients

This review focuses on the treatment options for adult female patients with acne. Acne in adult female patients may start during adolescence and persist or have an onset in adulthood. Acne has various psychosocial effects that impact patients’ quality of life. Treatment of acne in adult women specifically has its challenges due to the considerations of patient preferences, pregnancy, and lactation. Treatments vary widely and treatment should be tailored specifically for each individual woman. We review conventional therapies with high levels of evidence, additional treatments with support from cohort studies and case reports, complementary and/or alternative therapies, and new agents under development for the treatment of patients with acne.

Association of Isotretinoin With Depression and Suicide: A Review of Current Literature

Acne vulgaris, a condition that can affect people at any age, is the most common cause of referral to a dermatologist. Isotretinoin (ITT) is the most effective treatment available, but serious adverse effects, including a possible association with depression and suicide, limit its use. We review the current literature regarding the association of ITT with depression and suicide. Case reports and database studies show a clear association, and this association is biologically plausible. Although prospective studies have opposite results, limitations make them unsuitable to identify a subgroup of patients who may be at risk of developing depression or suicidal ideation with ITT. Overall, it seems some people might be at risk, particularly those with a personal or family history of mental disorder, but further studies are needed to identify those patients who would benefit from an early referral to a mental health professional when ITT is initiated. Currently, no conclusions can be drawn, and it seems appropriate to regularly screen all patients on ITT for depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and promptly refer them to a mental health professional if any are found.

Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Adverse Effects of Dermatologic Medications

Severe, recalcitrant dermatologic conditions often require systemic treatment. Although efficacious, these medications have been associated with wide-ranging adverse reactions. Some are reversible, predictable, and either dose-dependent or treatment length-dependent, while others are unpredictable, irreversible, and potentially fatal. This review examines the neuropsychiatric adverse effects associated with US FDA-approved medications for treatment of the following dermatologic pathologies that typically require systemic therapy: autoimmune dermatoses, acne, psoriasis, and melanoma. A search of the literature was performed, with adverse effects ranging from mild headaches and neuropathy to severe encephalopathies. The medications associated with the most serious reactions were those used to treat psoriasis, especially the older non-biologic medications such as cyclosporine A and methotrexate. Given the importance of these systemic dermatologic therapies in treating severe, recalcitrant conditions, and the wide variety of potentially serious neuropsychiatric adverse effects of these medications, neurologists, psychiatrists, dermatologists, oncologists, and primary care providers must be aware of the potential for these neuropsychiatric adverse reactions to allow for appropriate counseling, management, and medication withdrawal.

Isotretinoin was not associated with depression or anxiety: A twelve-week study

AIM: To investigate the frequency and severity of depression and/or anxiety in isotretinoin (ITT)-treated subjects and in a non-ITT control group.

METHODS: Sixty consecutively-admitted non-psychiatric outpatients with acne were assigned to either ITT at a fixed dose of 30 mg/d (n = 36) or “other treatment” group (OT; n = 24). The Zung depression or anxiety scales (with cut-off points), two locally developed scales for depression (GeDepr) and anxiety (Ansilet) (without cut-off points) and clinical global impression scales of acne severity were administered at baseline and at weeks 6 and 12 of treatment. Data was analyzed with the chi-squared test and covariance analysis.

RESULTS: Gender distribution, age, marital status and education level did not differ between both treatment groups. The frequency of depression, as defined by the Zung scale cut-off points was similar in the ITT and in the non-ITT groups: Weeks 6 and 12: 8.3% in both groups, P = 0.9. The frequency of anxiety was similar in the groups as well: Week 6: ITT = 8.3%; OT = 0.0%, P > 0.05; week 12: ITT = 11.1%, OT = 4.2%, P > 0.05. The scores in both scales’ sets did not differ between the treatment groups at any evaluation time point (P > 0.05). Five ITT-treated subjects (13.8%) and two from the OT-treated group (8.3%) developed clinically significant anxiety and/or depression during treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the safety of ITT regarding psychological side effects in regular dermatological patients. Susceptible subjects may exist but their identification requires additional strategies.

Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris

Acne is one of the most common disorders treated by dermatologists and other health care providers. While it most often affects adolescents, it is not uncommon in adults and can also be seen in children. This evidence-based guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in its management. Issues from grading of acne to the topical and systemic management of the disease are reviewed. Suggestions on use are provided based on available evidence.

Isotretinoin: update on controversial issues

Acne vulgaris is a commonly seen dermatologic condition that plagues millions and can be very psychosocially disabling. Severe and recalcitrant acne is typically treated with isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a synthetic vitamin A derivative that has been available since 1982.This therapeutic option has been the most effective at putting severe and recalcitrant acne vulgaris into remission. Despite its effectiveness,it has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, depression, suicidality, and teratogenicity. We review the current literature on isotretinoin's role in inflammatory bowel disease, depression, and suicidality. In addition, we review whether or not the iPledge program has been successful at reducing pregnancy rates while on isotretinoin.

Important controversies associated with isotretinoin therapy for acne

Isotretinoin is a remarkably effective drug for severe, recalcitrant acne vulgaris. Soon after the drug's release in the early 1980s, a number of important adverse effects were reported subsequently leading to a variety of medical and medicolegal controversies. Three of these controversies will be highlighted concerning the putative role of isotretinoin in (1) depression and suicide, (2) inflammatory bowel disease, and (3) iPledge and pregnancy prevention programs. It appears that a very small subset of patients receiving isotretinoin for acne are at risk for depression, which is very manageable provided there is adequate patient awareness of the possibility, maximum communication between the patient and physician, and cessation of therapy if clinically important depression occurs (after which the depression rapidly resolves in a week or less). Multiple controlled studies actually suggest a very favorable effect of isotretinoin on depression and anxiety common in the population requiring isotretinoin. With regard to inflammatory bowel disease, in just one study, only ulcerative colitis association with isotretinoin reached statistical significance. The actual incidence of this association is strikingly low. Finally, it is clear that even the most recent pregnancy prevention program (iPledge) is no more successful than prior programs; there will likely always be a small number of female patients becoming pregnant while receiving isotretinoin for acne vulgaris.

High expression of retinoic acid receptors and synthetic enzymes in the human hippocampus

Retinoic acid, the active form of the nutrient vitamin A, regulates several facets of neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus, including neurogenesis and synaptic strength, acting via specific retinoic acid receptors (RARs). Essential for conversion of vitamin A to retinoic acid is the enzyme retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDH) and in the rodent hippocampus this is only present in the adjacent meninges where it must act as a locally released paracrine hormone. Little is known though about the expression of RALDHs and RARs in the human hippocampus. This study confirms that RALDH levels are very low in mouse neurons but, surprisingly, strong expression of RALDH protein is detected by immunohistochemistry in hippocampal neurons. The receptors RARα, β and γ were also detected, each receptor exhibiting differing subcellular locations implying their potential regulation of both transcription and non-genomic actions. These results imply an essential function of retinoic acid in the human hippocampus likely to include regulation of neuronal plasticity.