Affective disorders as potential complication of anti-acne treatment with isotretinoin: A case series

- Temporal relationship between affective disorders (AD) and use of isotretinoin was certain while causal association was possible.
- A family history of AD and a prior episode of mental disorders predicted affective symptoms.
- Onset of AD was preceded by prodromal symptoms: headaches, sleep disorders, fatigue, drowsiness, general weakness.
- Psychiatrists should pay special attention to isotretinoin as a drug that may trigger episodes of AD.

ObjectiveTo analyse cases of 9 patients (18-27 yo) who were consequently admitted to our department and treated with affective disorders (AD) while undergoing isotretinoin (INN) therapy.MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire designed by the authors was used to analyse many variables related to demographic characteristics, dermatologic and psychiatrics symptoms, AD course and treatment, family history of mental disorders, building on medical histories of patients and their families, and available medical records.ResultsPatients were diagnosed (DSM-IV-TR) with: a major depressive episode (4 patients), a recurrent major depressive episode (3), a bipolar mixed episode (1), and rapid cycling bipolar I disorder (1). The mean time from the first use of INN to: I. the onset of mental disorders was approximately 2 months (1-6 months), II. a visit with a psychiatrist was about 12 months (1-38 months). The predictors of occurrence of AD included a family history of AD and a prior episode of mental disorders. The onset of AD was in most cases preceded by prodromal symptoms such as headaches, sleep disorders, fatigue, drowsiness, or general weakness. Five patients reported suicidal ideation, four patients showed suicidal tendencies, and two persons attempted to commit suicide during the treatment.ConclusionsPsychiatrists should pay special attention to isotretinoin as a drug that may trigger episodes of AD, particularly in patients with a family history of AD or prior episodes of mental disorders. Isotretinoin therapy of patients with acne and a family history of AD or prior episodes of mental disorders requires special care and, if symptoms of depression develop or worsen during the INN treatment, collaboration between a dermatologist and a psychiatrist is needed.