Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
08:33
Optimized Automated Analysis of Live Neuronal Mitochondria Homeostasis Modulation by Isoform-Specific Retinoic Acid Receptors
Published on: July 28, 2023
Isotretinoin has no negative effect on attention, executive function and mood
1Department of Dermatology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
Summary
Isotretinoin treatment for severe acne did not negatively impact cognitive functions or mood in patients. Some executive functions and anger control even showed improvement during the study.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Animal studies suggest isotretinoin may impair learning and memory.
- Human brain metabolism is affected by isotretinoin, but data on neural functions is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess isotretinoin's effects on cognitive functions, mood (depression, anxiety), anger levels, and anger expression.
- To evaluate the safety of isotretinoin treatment in patients with severe acne.
Main Methods:
- 63 patients with severe/resistant acne underwent neuropsychological and behavioral testing.
- Assessments included attention, executive functions, anger, and depression at multiple time points during isotretinoin treatment.
- Acne severity was also monitored.
Main Results:
- No detrimental effects on executive functions or mood were observed.
- Improvements in executive functions and anger control were noted in some patients.
- Acne clearance was achieved in 94.6% of patients.
Conclusions:
- The study's test battery did not reveal negative impacts of isotretinoin on executive functions in acne patients.
- Observed improvements may be influenced by repeated testing effects.
- Isotretinoin appears safe concerning cognitive and emotional parameters in this cohort.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Acne Infection
Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
01:28Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
01:29Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the clinical practice of measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood or body tissues to manage and optimize therapy. TDM is crucial for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, like warfarin and phenytoin, where incorrect doses can lead to treatment failure or severe side effects. This monitoring ensures the dosage administered is within a safe and effective range. The factors affecting therapeutic drug monitoring include:Patient-Specific Factors:a.
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
01:25Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
Antidepressant drugs are a class of medications primarily used for treating various mood disorders, including major depression, anxiety disorders, and other related conditions. These medicines work by modulating the neurotransmitter balance within the brain, alleviating depressive symptoms. Antidepressants can be broadly categorized into several groups according to their mechanism of action and chemical structure: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine...
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...