Patients' perceptions of isotretinoin, depression and suicide--a qualitative study.
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.
Magin
Parker
P
University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. parker.magin@newcastle.edu.au
Adams
Jon
J
Heading
Gaynor
G
Pond
Dimity
D
Smith
Wayne
W
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
D015474:Isotretinoin