黑料吃瓜群网

A University of Queensland researcher has developed new guidelines for psychiatrists and dermatologists prescribing and treating acne with a 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.

鈥淭hese 聽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,鈥� Dr Scott said.

鈥淎cne can damage adolescents鈥� 聽psychological well-being,, burdening them with feelings of embarrassment, frustration and anger.聽鈥淭his medication is being prescribed to a population of adolescents who are already at an increased risk of depression because of their acne.鈥�

Dr Scott said the recommendations would guide clinicians on the safe prescription and monitoring of the drug.

鈥淚f a young person鈥檚 acne is severely impacting their quality of life, a treatment like Roaccutane should be considered, regardless of the severity of their condition,鈥� Dr Scott said.

鈥淗owever, anyone who is considered for treatment of Roaccutane should have careful monitoring during treatment and after medication has ceased.鈥�

Researchers also recommend adolescents should be screened for mental health problems before starting the 聽medication.

鈥淎ny existing mental health symptoms should be identified and, where appropriate, clinicians should work with the teenager鈥檚 general practioner or mental health practitioner,鈥� he said.

There should be clear 聽communication between parents/carers, patients and relevant health professionals, to ensure 聽any problems could be managed safely.

鈥淐ommunication and awareness of risks by all involved are the key to preventing tragic outcomes,鈥� he said.

The recommendations are published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology