BackgroundIsotretinoin is used to treat severe acne, treatment-resistant moderate acne and acne that leads to scarring or psychological distress. It has many side effects and is also associated with depression, sleep apnea and sleep disturbances.
ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of isotretinoin on depression, sleep apnea and sleep quality.
MethodsA total of 42 patients diagnosed with acne and started isotretinoin treatment were included in the study.At baseline and after three months of treatment, patients lled out a questionnaire containing the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in order to compare the effects of isotretinoin.
ResultsThere was no statistically signi cant difference in BDI, BQ and PSQI scores between week 0 and week 12 of treatment (p = 0.53, p = 0.5, p = 0.035).
ConclusionThis study showed no association between the use of isotretinoin and depression and sleep quality.