ISOTRETINOIN THERAPY AND ITS IMPACT ON DEPRESSION: A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: The association between isotretinoin therapy and depression remains controversial. Early case reports suggested a potential link with psychiatric adverse effects, whereas contemporary large-scale studies have produced conflicting results. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Studies included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cohort studies, and mechanistic research published between 2000 and 2024. Results: Most high-quality studies demonstrate no increased risk of depression or suicide associated with isotretinoin therapy [1–4]. Large cohort studies indicate that psychiatric risk is elevated prior to treatment initiation and decreases following therapy [3]. The most recent meta analysis including over 1.6 million participants found no increased psychiatric risk and suggested reduced long-term suicide attempts [4]. Conclusion: Current evidence does not support a causal relationship between isotretinoin and depression. The observed psychiatric burden is more likely attributable to acne itself rather than its treatment. However, rare idiosyncratic reactions cannot be excluded.