2009/01/20 by V.P. Kontaxakis, Demetris Skourides, Panagiotis Ferentinos +2 · 96 citations
Medicine · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects #Retinoids in leukemia and cellular processes #Drug-Induced Ocular Toxicity #Isotretinoin #Psychopathology #Psychiatry #Medicine #Depression (economics) #Acne #Dermatology
paper · pdf · doi:10.1186/1744-859x-8-2
published in Annals of General Psychiatry 8(1), 2 (BioMed Central)
openalex publication_date 2009/01/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Isotretinoin, a synthetic oral retinoid that is used against severe nodulocystic acne, has been associated with various psychiatric side effects such as depression, suicidality and psychotic symptoms. A great number of reports on its effects have been published since its introduction into the market. However, a causal relationship has not been established and the link between isotretinoin use and psychiatric events remains controversial. The present paper reviews the available evidence regarding the association of isotretinoin and psychiatric side effects. All published material reporting psychiatric side effects following isotretinoin treatment, including case reports, case series, reports from adverse drug event reporting systems, prospective surveys and retrospective case-control studies, are presented. In addition, the neurobiology of the retinoids and possible biological mechanisms that may lead to psychopathology are described.