[Depression and panic attack in acne treated with isotretinoin]

Isotretinoin is a drug often used in adolescents with severe acne. Several side effects of this substance, including mental disorders, have been reported. We report the case of a 17 years old patient who was diagnosed with moderate depressive episode and panic attacks in relation to the use of this product. Due to the low frequency of psychiatric adverse reactions, the prescription of isotretinoin in adolescents is clearly justified. But patients and relatives should always be properly informed, with frequent re-assessments on whether to continue with treatment. The primary care physician must take into account the influence, sometimes not detected by other specialists, of many drugs at the onset of psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.