UQ Centre for Clinical Research Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr James Scott has developed new guidelines for the safe prescription of a common acne drug linked with suicide and depression.
A University of Queensland researcher has developed new guidelines for psychiatrists and dermatologists to safely prescribe a common acne drug linked with suicide and depression. The study offers guidelines for Australian health professionals when prescribing and treating acne patients with the drug Roaccutane. UQ Centre for Clinical Research Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr James Scott said the guidelines would reduce variations in how clinicians used the drug, containing active ingredient isotretinoin, to treat acne in teenagers. "These guidelines draw on the expertise of a range of specialists and set out standard recommendations, particularly in relation to pre-treatment screening and post-treatment monitoring of patients," Dr Scott said. "Acne can damage adolescents' psychological well-being,, burdening them with feelings of embarrassment, frustration and anger. "This medication is being prescribed to a population of adolescents who are already at an increased risk of depression because of their acne." Dr Scott said the recommendations would guide clinicians on the safe prescription and monitoring of the drug. "If a young person's acne is severely impacting their quality of life, a treatment like Roaccutane should be considered, regardless of the severity of their condition," Dr Scott said.
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