The Shocking Link Between Depression and Roaccutane

Dr Sam Robson
By Dr Sam Robson

Dr Sam Robson is a highly respected and experienced practitioner who qualified as a GP in 1997 and has been practising aesthetic medicine since 2004.


Acne is a chronic skin condition that, although more typically associated with adolescence, can affect all age groups and will affect most people at some point in their life.

Unfortunately for most sufferers, it affects the face and so can be very difficult to disguise.

Although for many people, the acne is mild and can be managed with appropriate skincare and simple lifestyle measures, there are a significant number of sufferers who have severe acne which is resistant to this basic treatment advice.

It is hardly surprising that when acne is severe and difficult to treat it can be painful and often has a dramatic effect on an individual’s self-confidence and social interactions.

Sufferers report feeling judged as unclean and “diseased” often choosing to isolate themselves because they cannot control this skin condition – and they themselves feel ashamed of their appearance.

Oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) has been found to be a very successful drug for helping to resolve acne with 95% of patients being clear of spots within 4-6 months.

However, there have been concerns raised again over its safety record having had 10 suicides linked to use in the past year (which is twice that of the previous year).

Such are the concerns that the watchdog MHRA (Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority) are conducting a new review to see if further regulation over its use is required.

Despite the powerful ability to tackle acne, Roaccutane has some serious side effects which can include anxiety, depression, aggression and violence, changes in mood or suicidal thoughts – these can be signs of depression or other mental health issues.

The links between depression and Roaccutane have been widely talked about but there has not yet been any scientific study that conclusively proves that Roaccutane causes psychiatric changes or suicidal thoughts.

How safe are acne treatments

Given that acne itself can seriously impact on an individual’s mental well-being, it would seem appropriate to consider other effective interventions that are not associated with this sort of risks.

There is increasing evidence that blue light therapy can effectively treat acne.

Blue light can penetrate the skin more effectively than topical skincare treatments – the particular wavelength of blue light destroys the acne-causing bacteria deep within the skin and thus reduce inflammation and the appearance of spots.

As part of a treatment programme that addresses the other causative factors of acne, this devastating skin condition can be brought under control.

Temple Clinic, which has recently been accredited by the ARAUK centre (Acne and Rosacea Association UK) and has a dedicated problem skin clinic that specialises in treating acne.

Temple Clinic adopts a holistic approach – it combines lifestyle advice along with clinically effective skincare products and treatments that can dramatically improve the health of the skin.

Images provided by Temple Clinic.

Acne treatment
Acne treatment

“Temple provided me with skincare products and recommended a course of light therapy. Within a couple of weeks, there was an obvious difference.

“Every day I notice a difference in my skin from the day before and it amazes me. Looking back at the photos that Temple Clinic took at my first appointment still shocks me and my family.

To think how much of an improvement my skin has made in such a short period of time delights me - I honestly never thought this would be possible.”

With acne being a chronic condition, it is obviously important that patients are able to manage their skin away from the clinic, especially if, as can often be the case with young adults, the young student moves away from home and is then living in a more stressful environment.

The typical student diet, pressure of exams and living independently of that parental umbrella of care can cause a flare-up of acne.

Although the lifestyle aspects can be considered and effective skincare continued, it is not always practicable to find a clinic that can provide ongoing light therapy.

Light treatment for acne

There has been a dramatic increase in the development of home blue-light devices devised for just this scenario.

This means the patient can access effective blue light therapy, using it on a daily basis if and when required.

Faced with such an array of choice it can be difficult to decide which blue light device is best.  

There are currently pens, masks and LED lamps all offering blue light therapy.

Having considered many of the available options, Temple Clinic recommends LUSTRE solo. This unique device allows an individual to “get on with their life – whilst treating their acne”.

Not only can the patient be sure that the affected skin is being effectively treated for the correct amount of time, the hands-free nature of the device allows them to do other things during treatment.

If you suffer from acne, find out more about the treatment options at Temple Clinic.

Acne Depression

If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together Acne, Blue light acne treatment, skincare products for acne, LED acne treatment FAQs just for you. 

If you have more questions, you can use the Acne, Blue light acne treatment, skincare products for acne, LED acne treatment questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts. 

If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited Acne, Blue light acne treatment, skincare products for acne, LED acne treatment clinics in your area.

Many thanks to the author of this blog Dr Sam Robson who owns Temple Clinic.

Dr Sam Robson is a highly respected and experienced practitioner who qualified as a GP in 1997 and has been practising aesthetic medicine since 2004.

She has also become progressively aware of the increasing incidence of low morale and self-esteem 

The repertoire of treatments provided by the clinic aims to help address many problems.

Call Dr Sam Robson on 0122 486 9997 or visit www.templeclinic.co.uk.

Thanks to the author

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