Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Treatment Adherence in Adolescent Acne Patients: Investigating the Relationship for Better Care Strategies.

INTRODUCTION

Accompanying comorbidities in acne vulgaris (AV) patients affect treatment adherence.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between treatment compliance and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents with AV.

METHODS

This study included 140 patients with AV. At the beginning of the treatment, each patient acne severity was assessed, and the Conners-Wells Adolescent Self-Report Scale-Long Form (CASS-L) was administered. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to assess treatment adherence. The treatment response was assessed using a six-point scale.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in the scores on the 10 subscales of the CASS-L among the 3 groups. The Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) scores showed a positive correlation with the scores of the subscales of the CASS-L, with 3 of them at a moderate level and 7 at a weak level. Five MMAS subscales had a weak correlation and 5 had a moderate correlation with the CASS-L subscale scores. The 9 subscales and the treatment response showed a slight negative correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

ADHD is one of the many psychiatric comorbidities that frequently coexist with acne vulgaris. Its treatment is long-term and achieving a good treatment response relies heavily on patient adherence. Our study, which showed a decrease in acne treatment adherence and response as ADHD symptoms increased, will raise awareness among dermatologists to be more vigilant in their approach to this patient group.