Does Acne Treatment Increase Risk of Depression?

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.