Could Acne and ADHD Really Be Linked?

The news is all over the internet -- teens with acne are more likely to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). What's up with that?

This news actually came from a study that was recently presented at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting. Researchers looked at over 950 million doctor visits (that's a ton!) between 1995 and 2008. Acne was diagnosed in about 100 million of these. ADHD was 6.3 times more likely to be diagnosed in those visits in which acne was also diagnosed (when compared to other skin problems.)

So, at least on the surface, this study shows a seeming link between acne and ADHD.

Keep in mind that this has only been presented at a medical conference, and it hasn't gone through the peer review process yet (basically, other experts examine and have the opportunity to refute the findings.)

And, in my opinion, I think that this suspected link will be disproved. If you're looking in the teen age-range, you're going to see teens with both. Acne is common. ADHD is also common. Really, what kid doesn't have acne during the teen years? So, I'd think that if you're teen with ADHD, there's a huge possibility that you're also going to have acne... and not because you have ADHD but because you're a teenager!

Irregardless of whether you have acne or not, it wouldn't hurt to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD. If you have trouble staying focused or are impulsive, talk to your doctor (no matter what your age or skin condition.)

Teen Acne:

• All About Teen Acne
• Stress and Teen Acne
• Talking To Your Parents About Seeing a Dermatologist

_{Source:American Academy of Dermatology's 70th Annual Meeting, San Diego, March 16-20, 2012.Madhulika A. Gupta, MD, psychiatry department, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.Zoe D. Draelos, MD, consulting professor, dermatology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C.Garfield, C. Academic Pediatrics, March/April, 2012.}