Acne: The Real Teen Suicide Culprit
- Author Thomas Strickland
- Published January 1, 2011
- Word count 533
Suicide prevention websites like Suicide.org have been vocally declaring that teens should avoid taking acne several medications that treat the most severe acne around. This issue came up because of the unfortunate suicide of U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak's son. The young man was taking isotretinoin to treat his severe acne. The incident occurred after an all-night alcohol party.
While just about anyone who commits suicide is medically considered a victim, usually of depression, the presence of this drug is not the culprit.
A study came out that found the presence of this drug in a large percentage of suicidal teens who had acne. The problem is, as it is the drug tasked with succeeding against acne when all others have failed, it is only natural that it would be present.
The real culprit may be the acne itself, as a more recent study has found.
Doctors have argued that the situation is similar to the stigma penicillin once suffered. Many people thought it caused a severe rash. The FDA even made it come with a warning. Later studies found that it was the infection penicillin treated that caused the rash. Now, of course, we all know penicillin to be a miraculous antibiotic that only causes a rash in the small percentage who are allergic.
But this hasn't stopped cable news and internet "journalism" from attacking the drugs.
Suicide.org articles attacking isotretinoin and its peers are not based on scientific reasoning or fact. Take this one for instance: Never use Accutane; it can Kill You is simply an argument based on purely anecdotal evidence. An author, not a doctor, received emails from parents' whose teens have committed suicide. While this is tragic, it does not qualify them to specify the cause. Teens have been committed suicide long before this drug was around - they were and are doing it because of their embarrassment as a result of acne and the treatment they receive at their schools. It is even possible that, rather than help children by withholding a potent acne remedy, parents could increase their child's depression and risk of suicide by sentencing them to a life riddled by acne and abuse from their peers.
As people grow older and cope with acne problems, they develop the ability to withstand social stigma and perhaps even realize that it doesn't matter. Adults are less abusive about acne. And, not surprisingly, nobody is accusing Accutane of causing adult suicide.
Teens are especially vulnerable to social pressures and have naturally unstable brain chemistry, leaving them exposed to dangers like depression and suicide.
Numerous statements from dermatologists provide more credible anecdotal evidence. They say that they have seen their teen patients transformed by the medication. With their acne gone, they often cut off their bangs and wear new confident faces, full of the joys of life that teenagers should enjoy.
Acne should not carry the stigma it does and people with acne should never suffer ridicule, but that isn't the reality our teens live with. Don't force them to live with the reality of the stigma.
We should be educating our teens about depression and teaching them to resist social pressures and treating their acne.
Thomas Strickland is a professional journalist who has years of experience in highlighting numerous topics and has worked with site like [http://www.genmedics.net/articles/falsely.html](http://www.genmedics.net/articles/falsely.html) to bring people all around the world a better understanding of things.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Tesla Lemon Law
- Mary Ferry Real Estate agent in Lakeland, Florida
- Essential Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses in 2024
- Top 10 Digital Nomad Destinations for 2024 with Cost of Living Insights
- AI and Nanotechnology: How Your Smartphone Could Soon Detect Health Issues at Home
- Top Emerging Trends in Quantum Computing for 2024 and Beyond
- Luxury Chauffeur Services: A Journey of Elegance and Convenience
- What Is Harmony in Interior Design, and Why Does It Matter?
- Acura MDX and Honda Pilot: Which one will you choose?
- How to Save Money Every Day With Promo Codes
- Fresh Paint for a Fast Sale: Here's Why You Should Paint Before Listing
- The Invisible Impact of Missing Teeth: Why Replacing Them Matters
- Detecting Dental Beauty: 5 Core Traits of a Beautiful Smile
- Timeless Toothcare: Dental Hygiene Tips for Seniors
- Saving Old Smiles: How In-House Dental Discount Plans Help Seniors
- Too Much of a Good Thing? Signs You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
- Why a Root Canal Might Be the Best News for Your Tooth
- 10 Techniques for Achieving a Lean and Efficient Supply Chain
- What is DuckDuckGo?
- The Role of Lighting Stores in Brampton: Shaping Spaces for the Future
- The Role of Commercial Cleaning Services in Auckland: A Comprehensive Guide
- Exploring the World of Chauffeur Service: Benefits, Challenges, and Best Practices
- Nerds and Geeks: They still live on!
- IQ Tests: History, Uses, and Choosing a Reliable Resource
- 8 Great Ways To Teach Kids About Oral Hygiene
- App Development as a Catalyst for Business Growth
- Costs of arranging a Mortgage in Spain
- TikTok and Instagram: Ways you will grow and learn.
- Mustang GT: Ford Motor Company is a Rising Force!
- 10 Ways to Transform Production Scheduling in Business Central