ISOTRETINOIN THERAPY AND ITS IMPACT ON DEPRESSION: A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Filip Kamyszek; Marta Krężołek; Julia Dobrowolska; Alicja Palus; Kornel Pawlak; Marcin Stępiński; Mateusz Balicki; Oliwia Zynek; Paula Kaczmarczyk; Tomasz Arkuszyński

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5761

Authors

Filip Kamyszek Corten Dental Medical Center, Dental Clinic, Etiudy Rewolucyjnej 48, 02-643 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2767-8215
Marta Krężołek Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3646-5640
Julia Dobrowolska Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9498-9521
Alicja Palus PRODENTAL Private Dental Clinic – Joanna Bronowska, Zakopiańska 4A, 05-120 Legionowo, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7462-6893
Kornel Pawlak Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6435-6587
Marcin Stępiński Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5878-6293
Mateusz Balicki Corten Dental Medical Center, Dental Clinic, Etiudy Rewolucyjnej 48, 02-643 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5066-9645
Oliwia Zynek Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5537-565X
Paula Kaczmarczyk CITODENT Dental Center, pl. Zamkowy 5, 55-200 Oława, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6099-5657
Tomasz Arkuszyński Wroclaw Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50-425 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4894-361X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5761

Keywords:

Isotretinoin; Depression; Acne Vulgaris; Mental Health; Dermatology; Pharmacovigilance

Abstract

Background: The association between isotretinoin therapy and depression remains controversial. Early case reports suggested a potential link with psychiatric adverse effects, whereas contemporary large-scale studies have produced conflicting results.

Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Studies included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cohort studies, and mechanistic research published between 2000 and 2024.

Results: Most high-quality studies demonstrate no increased risk of depression or suicide associated with isotretinoin therapy [1–4]. Large cohort studies indicate that psychiatric risk is elevated prior to treatment initiation and decreases following therapy [3]. The most recent meta analysis including over 1.6 million participants found no increased psychiatric risk and suggested reduced long-term suicide attempts [4].

Conclusion: Current evidence does not support a causal relationship between isotretinoin and depression. The observed psychiatric burden is more likely attributable to acne itself rather than its treatment. However, rare idiosyncratic reactions cannot be excluded.

References

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