Isotretinoin and psychiatric illness in adolescents and young adults.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship between isotretinoin and psychiatric illness in adolescents and young adults.


METHODS
Primary literature located via MEDLINE (1966-December 2002). Key terms were isotretinoin, depression, psychosis, suicide, and adolescents.


RESULTS
Information regarding depression was added to isotretinoin labeling in 1998 following a series of case reports and submitted to the MedWatch system.


CONCLUSIONS
Although a causal relationship may exist between isotretinoin and psychiatric illness in adolescents and young adults, this has not been demonstrated in the literature. Until evidence establishes a presence or lack of causality, prescribers should exercise caution when treating adolescents and young adults with isotretinoin.
Enders
Shelly J
SJ
Division of Pharmacy Practice, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO 63110-1088, USA. senders@stlcop.edu
Enders
Jason M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D018570:Risk Assessment
D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin