Psychological impact of isotretinoin treatment in patients with moderate and severe acne

Coll Antropol. 2009 Dec:33 Suppl 2:15-9.

Abstract

Acne patients are subject to different degree of psychosocial distress. The emotional impact of acne vulgaris due to disfigurement caused by the disease is undisputed. Most common reactions to the acne are depression and anxiety. The use of isotretinoin, one of the most effective options in acne treatment, increases depression symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological status of the patients with moderate to severe acne and to compare patients treated with isotretinoin with patients treated with vitamin C. A total of 85 patients suffering from acne vulgaris were included in the study. The results of this study do not find a significant correlation between the use of isotretinoin and the psychological effects of the drug.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Acne Vulgaris / psychology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Anxiety / prevention & control*
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Croatia
  • Depression / etiology
  • Depression / prevention & control*
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isotretinoin / adverse effects
  • Isotretinoin / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Isotretinoin
  • Ascorbic Acid