Biological, genetic and psychosocial factors may play a role in the
aetiology of bipolar mood disorder (BPD). BPD episodes might be
triggered by isotretinoin, a retinoid derivative of vitamin A with a role
in cellular proliferation and differentiation. Due to its association with
depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, American Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) issued a placement of a label warning
for isotretionin. Personal or family history of psychiatric disorders was
emphasized in the literature for the risk of mood episodes following
isotretionin treatment. Here we aim to present the case of an 18-
year old young male adult, without personal or family history of a
psychiatric disorder, who developed psychotic mania within the first
week of isoretinoin which was prescribed for acne vulgaris. Psychotic
mania symptoms receded within one week after starting olanzapine
(10 mg/day). We believe this case is significant in demonstrating the
occurence of a manic episode after isoretinoin in individuals lacking a
personal or family history of psychiatric diagnoses.