Acne depression may not be due to Accutane: Part 1

Acne is a very distressing disorder and can cause loss of self-esteem and lead to lack of confidence. Acne is a very common complaint and affects 4/5 of all teenagers and adults. While most mild cases of acne usually resolve, at least 20 percent of individuals develop severe acne. The treatment of acne is abysmal. So far, there is no ideal product and almost every week a new product is available on cyberspace.

One of the more effective treatments for acne has been the use of retinoids, like accutane. However, during the earlier clinical trials it was obvious that accutane not only improved acne but it also affected behavior in some individuals. These behaviors changes included suicidal ideation, depression and severe anxiety. These emotional warnings have been on the accutane packaging since it was first introduced into the North American market. Every now and then, there are isolated reports about individuals who have committed suicide while taking accutane.

Now, some European researchers claim that the these reports of depression and suicidal ideation are overblown, because it is the acne which is responsible, not the drugs. The latest study from Norway revealed that levels of depression and suicidal ideation were 2-3 times higher in individuals with severe acne compared to those who had no skin problems. The researchers claimed that the depression previously associated with accutane was in fact are from the acne itself.

"There is a pretty strong and consistent association between acne and symptoms of depression or mental health problems," said Jon Anders Halvorsen of Oslo University Hospital, whose study was published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.