It’s acne, not a drug, that drives sufferers to suicide

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the psychological impact of acne. I was inundated with letters and emails from readers, many with very sad stories of how acne had blighted their lives.

In fact, this week a study was published showing that the distress of acne is one of the leading causes of suicide among teenagers. what a heartbreaking situation, especially as it can be treated.

Many of the people who wrote to me asked me about Roaccutane, which I mentioned had effectively cured my acne. They were worried that the drug had been linked with suicide.

It’s true that some studies have suggested a link, but it’s far from clear to what extent Roaccutane is responsible.

what is known, however, is that skin conditions such as acne are linked to increased rates of depression and can in themselves drive people to kill themselves.

It may be that because Roaccutane is given to those with the severest forms of acne, it’s the skin condition, rather than the drug, that is to blame.

Roaccutane is not a wonder drug, though, and has a lot of side- effects, some of which I experienced: unsightly dry skin which cracked and was painful.

Although my skin has improved dramatically, this drug won’t be for everyone. It’s a delicate balancing act between the pros and potential cons.

for me, I was weighing the tiny risk that it might make me depressed, versus the very real blight of acne.

It’s worth saying that in all my time working in mental health, I have never seen anyone who has become depressed or suicidal because of Roaccutane.

But I have seen many people who have become depressed or suicidal because of skin conditions such as acne.

The key thing is to speak to a dermatologist to weigh up your options — and not be put off by a few scary-sounding stories.