Study Links Acne to Suicidal Thoughts, an Accutane Side Effect

Oslo, NorwayA recent Norwegian study found that acne sufferers are twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts as those with clear skin. Accutane side effects, such as depression, may make the problem worse.

The study, which was funded by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, surveyed about 4,000 teenagers aged 18 to 19 regarding their acne, according to CNN.

About 14 percent of respondents said they had "a lot" or "very much" acne. Of those teens who say they have "very much" acne, 25 percent said they had thoughts of suicide, compared to only 11 percent of respondents overall.

Dr. Jerry Tan, a dermatologist at the University of Western Ontario, told the news source that acne can be very hard on teenagers because it occurs at "a critical point in human development where self-image and confidence [are] being established."

Tan also says that the study does not mean that Accutane and other isotretinoin-based drugs do not cause depression or suicidal thoughts.

"While these results do not exonerate isotretinoin in causing depression, it does suggest that severe acne in and of itself is associated with suicidal [thoughts]," he told the news provider.

In addition to depression, Accutane side effects include inflammatory bowel disease.