A coroner has concluded that the suicide of a “bright and happy” girl was not linked to the acne drug she had been taking before her death.
Annabel Wright, 15, was found dead in her room by her parents on the evening of May 1, 2019.
Harrogate District Hospital had prescribed Annabel, who lived near Ripon and attended Harrogate’s St Aidan’s Church of England High School, Roaccutane, also known as isotretinoin, to treat her acne.
The conclusion, which was read out today at an inquest in Northallerton, was difficult for her heartbroken parents Helen and Simon Wright to hear.
Jonathan Leach, assistant coroner for North Yorkshire, said:
“There was no evidence that her mind was disturbed. If it was, there is no evidence that this was caused or contributed to by Roaccutane.
“It is clear to me that Annabel took her own life. I offer my thanks to the witnesses and condolences to the family.”
Simon and Helen Wright read out a statement after today’s hearing.
After the hearing Ms Wright, flagged on her right by Mr Wright, said:
“The evidence provided during this inquest has shown that our normal, happy, well-adjusted child took her own life, suddenly, without warning and without any mitigating circumstances other than she was taking a drug which can cause suicide.
“Despite this the coroner has not seen fit to implicate this drug in her death. We are disappointed but sadly not surprised by the verdict delivered here today.
“Annabel was let down by Harrogate District Hospital when they prescribed her a drug she did not even need though it could cause her suicide.
“She was let down in life and she has been let down in death by the authorities steadfast refusal to recognise the role Roaccutane played in her death.
“But we, her family, friends and the people who knew her know the real truth and this will not be changed by the opinions of those who never met her, yet have the power to stand in judgement over her.
“In view of this, we, as bereaved parents, would like to take this opportunity to warn others of the dangers of Roaccutane, because often they will not hear about the true side effects, including sudden suicidal impulses from those who glibly prescribe it.
“We hope others will take heed from this tragedy and refuse to allow their children to take this toxic drug.”
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Dr Alison Layton, who started Annabel on her treatment, told the inquest that Harrogate District Hospital had carried out a review into how it deals with those under 18.
She also added that the hospital now hands out cards to those on Roaccutane with contact details for mental health services in case they are trying to conceal their feelings.
Hospital investigation
After the inquest Dr Jacqueline Andrews, executive medical director at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We wish to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Annabel Wright.
“Following Annabel’s tragic death, the trust commenced an investigation and our findings were shared with Annabel’s family and HM Coroner.
“We acknowledge the conclusion of HM Coroner.”
Rory Badenoch, the solicitor acting on behalf of the family, urged the coroner to send a letter to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) to make the risks of Roaccutane more clear.
The coroner said he will decide at a later date whether that would be appropriate.
Samaritans are available 365 days a year for people in need of support. You can call them free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
Parents’ tribute to Harrogate girl on acne drug who took her lifeThe heartbroken parents of a Harrogate schoolgirl who was on an acne drug when she took her life paid tribute to her at an inquest today.
Annabel Wright, 15, was found dead in her room on the evening of May 1, 2019. Her parents discovered her body.
Harrogate District Hospital had prescribed the schoolgirl, who attended St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate, the drug Roaccutane, also known as isotretinoin, to treat her acne.
Giving evidence at an inquest in Northallerton today, Helen and Simon Wright said Annabel was a happy child with no history of depression.
Ms Wright said:
“Annabel was the brightest child. She was easy going, happy and she never had any issues. She enjoyed school and had a great set of friends there.
“I believe that Roaccutane led to her suicide. Normal, happy people like Annabel don’t just commit suicide without any signs or anything leading up to it.”
Concerns about drug’s link to suicide
The inquest heard that in January 2019 Annabel had self-harmed. Mr and Ms Wright discussed the incident with their daughter but did not mention it to the doctor, as they did not think it was linked to her medication.
When Annabel was first prescribed Roaccutane in October 2018, Ms Wright raised concerns about the drug after reading articles online linking it with suicide.
The doctor told Ms Wright she believed there was no causal link between the drug and increased risk of suicide.
Mr Wright said of his daughter:
“She was perfect. We adored Annabel and she adored us, we were a close-knit family.
“My wife and mother-in-law had taken our son out to a young farmers’ club on the day that Annabel died.
“I came home from work late at around 8pm and went to see Annabel in her room when we had a chat about the Spanish exam she took that morning.”
Mr Wright later went downstairs for dinner. When the rest of his family got back they went to check once again on Annabel.
Mr Wright found his daughter’s body and called for an ambulance, which took Annabel to hospital in Harrogate where she later died.
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Parents say risk should have been made clearer
Mr and Ms Wright both said they believed Roaccutane was the cause of Annabel’s suicide and blamed the hospital for not making the risks clearer.
The Stray Ferret asked Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust to respond to the Wrights’ claims.
Dr Jacqueline Andrews, executive medical director at the trust, said:
“We wish to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Annabel Wright.
“Following Annabel’s tragic death, the trust commenced an investigation and our findings have been shared with Annabel’s family and HM Coroner.
“Until the inquest has concluded we are unable to comment further.”
The inquest into Annabel Wright’s death continues.
Samaritans are available 365 days a year for people in need of support. You can call them free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.