Rev. colomb. psiquiatr; 46 (1), 2017
Publication year: 2017
ABSTRACT Introduction:
Isotretinoin is a member of the retinoid family of drugs, and has been used for the treatment of severe acne. Its use has been associated with various psychiatric and behavioural symptoms. Methodology:
A case report and a non-systematic review of the literature are presented. Results:
The case concerns a 13 year-old adolescent with insomnia, delusions, and auditory hallucinations, after two months of treatment with isotretinoin. The patient was admitted to hospital, where the use of psychoactive drugs and systemic disease that could explain the psychotic symptoms are ruled out. After two weeks of stopping the isotretinoin and starting with treatment with olanzapine 10 mg per day, there was complete remission of the psychotic symptoms. Discussion:
On the onset of psychotic symptoms in an adolescent with no prior personal or family history of mental illness, the diagnosis of a secondary psychosis needs to be considered. Conclusion:
Clinicians would benefit from knowing the psychiatric symptoms that could be associated with the use of this drug, as well as its suspension and specific treatment for emerging psychotic illness.
RESUMEN Introducción:
La Isotreitonina, un medicamento de la familia de los retinoides ha sido utilizada para el tratamiento del acné severo. Su uso ha sido asociado con diversos síntomas psiquiátricos de tipo afectivo, psicótico y comportamental. Metodología:
Reporte de caso y revisión no sistemática de la literatura relevante. Resultados:
Hombre adolescente de 13 anos con insomnio, ideas delirantes, alucinaciones auditivas, luego de dos meses de tratamiento con isotretinoina. El paciente es hospital izado, se descartó el consumo de drogas psicoactivas y enfermedad sistémica que explicaran los síntomas psicóticos. Luego de dos semanas de suspender la isotretinoina y recibir tratamiento con olanzapina 10 mg al día remitieron los síntomas psicóticos. Discusión:
El inicio de síntomas psicóticos en un adolescente sin antecedentes personales ni familiares de enfermedad mental exige considerar el diagnósitico de psicosis secundaria. Los clínicos se benefician de conocer los síntomas psiquiátricos que se pueden asociar con este medicamento, considerar la suspensión y el tratamiento específico para la psicopatología emergente.