title: Patients' perceptions of isotretinoin, depression and suicide--a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Isotretinoin is an effective acne medication. The evidence for it causing depression and suicide, although widely publicised, remains uncertain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six semi-structured interviews with patients with acne were coded and subjected to thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Isotretinoin was perceived to be effective but dangerous. The most well known adverse effects were depression and suicide.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The overemphasis of serious psychological adverse events in patients might discourage the use of isotretinoin by those who might benefit from it.
authors.affiliation: University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. parker.magin@newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: Parker
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Magin
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Gaynor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Heading
authors.forename: Dimity
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pond
authors.forename: Wayne
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D013405:Suicide
chemical_list: D015474:Isotretinoin