Comorbidity of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with acne vulgaris

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Dr. Syed Salahuddin
MBBS, MD
Syeds Skin & Hair Clinic

Researchers investigated the comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and acne vulgaris in individuals with the condition.

The frequency of ADHD in individuals with acne vulgaris compared with controls was higher in those aged  30 years and in women. In addition, it was observed that the frequency of ADHD increases with the increase in the severity of acne vulgaris in mild, moderate, and severe forms, which are 5.3%, 10.5%, and 11.1% respectively, although not significant (p>0.05; Figure 1). The mean score of the ADHD questionnaire was 30.21±17.18 (0 to 78), and no significant differences were found between the case (30.84±16.99) and control (29.60±17.45) groups for CAARS scores (p=0.641). The ADHD scales were higher in individuals with acne vulgaris aged 30 years and in women than in controls. Also, the CAARS score showed an upward trend with increasing severity of acne vulgaris.

Figure 1. Frequency of ADHD (with acne vulgaris) and control (without acne vulgaris) groups

There was no statistically significant difference between subjects with acne vulgaris and the control group in the score and frequency of ADHD. Also, researchers found no statistically significant difference in the score and the frequency of ADHD based on the severity of acne vulgaris.

Reference: Pourramzani A , Nejad KG, Fakhraei S, et al. Comorbidity of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with acne vulgaris. Caspian J Neurol Sci. 2024;10(1):31–37.