For any teenager (or adult) who suffers from severe acne, daily life can be a challenge. Acne is not something that is easy to hide or erase, so sufferers go about life with their greatest flaw and insecurity literally written all over their face. As a result, there is a correlation between severe acne and an increased suicide rate. However, a new study shows that commonly prescribed acne medication, such as Accutane, may increase the risk of suicide for the millions of Americans who take it.

The study, which was performed at Sweden's Karolinska Institute, examined data from approximately 6,000 people who were prescribed the drug isotretinoin between 1980 and 1989. Isotretinoin is the generic version of Accutane, Roaccutane, Clarus, Decutan, and other acne medications, all of which have been commonly prescribed in several countries for the treatment of serious acne since approximately 1980.

According to the study, the highest risk of suicide, in comparison with the general population, occurred among study participants within six months of the start of treatment of acne with Accutane or another version of the drug. Because isotretinoin treatment generally lasts several months, this is troubling data.

However, researchers are not fully blaming Accutane for the increased suicide risk. A more probable conclusion, experts say, is that severe acne itself leads to depression and similar mental health problems, and not necessarily any drug prescribed to treat it. In addition, researchers speculate that depression may continue after acne improves, because sufferers see no improvement in their social lives despite an improvement in their appearance.

Researchers Parker Magin and John Sullivan urge that severe acne sufferers be closely watched by family and friends, regardless of their prescriptions. "All patients with acne of a severity for which isotretinoin is needed should have psychosocial factors and suicidal intent monitoring," they said. "Given the extended period of risk, families of patients may also have a role in this monitoring."

Source: WALB, "Study: Major acne problem may raise suicide risk", Maria Cheng, 12 November 2010