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

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

Authors

  • Huriye Aybüke Koç Department of Dermatology, Prof. Dr. A. Ilhan Ozdemir State Hospital, Giresun, Turkey
  • Cansu Altınöz Güney Department of Dermatology, Dinar State Hospital, Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye
  • Bedia Sultan Önal Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases, Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Giresun, Türkiye

Keywords:

acne vulgaris, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, medication adherence

Abstract

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's 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.

Conclusion: 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.

Author Biography

Cansu Altınöz Güney, Department of Dermatology, Dinar State Hospital, Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye

Dermatology

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Published

2025-01-29

How to Cite

1.
Koç HA, Altınöz Güney C, Önal BS. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Treatment Adherence in Adolescent Acne Patients: Investigating the Relationship for Better Care Strategies. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2025;15(1):4854. doi:10.5826/dpc.1501a4854

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