Evaluation of life quality and depression levels in acne patients using systemic isotretinoin

Aim: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether there was any association between izotretinoin therapy and depression level and quality of life in acne vulgaris.Material and methods: : Seventy-five patients with severe moderate or severe acne were enrolled in this study. 66 patiens completed the study. İzotretinoin was administered at a dose of 0.5-1 mg/kg per day in two divided doses with food for 16 weeks. All patients received a complete dermatological examination and the levels quality of life and depression status were assessed using to Acne quality of life index(AQLI), Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI) and Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) baseline (before izotretinoin treatment) and follow-up assessments at weeks 4 and 16 of the treatment.Results: Sixty-six patiens completed the study. Initialy AQLI, DLQI and BDI scores were not significantly different between the sexes among (p<0. 05). AQLI, DLQI and BDI scores were improved after the first month of treatment with the beginning, but this did not reach statistical significance. The end of the fourth month of the assessment of quality of life surveys, and the Beck depression scale, a statistically significant improvement was observed(p<0. 005, p=0. 0001).Conclusıons: Our study demonstrated the positive effects of izotretinoin on the quality of life in patients with acne. The relationship has not been found between the use of izotretinoin and an increased risk for depression. Observed any changes in the level of depression in patients with the four-month follow-up. However, existence of many studies in the literature showing that this effect should direct clinicians about taking into this side effect.