Association of Alopecia Areata With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Stimulant Medication: A Case-Control
Tyson A Meaux1, Pamela M McMahon2, Glenn N Jones3
1Department of Dermatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA.
Ochsner Journal
|July 9, 2021
Summary
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stimulant medications (ASM) showed a significant association with alopecia universalis (AU), a severe form of hair loss. Further research is needed, but monitoring is advised for patients with alopecia areata using ASM.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psychiatric disorders and their treatments are linked to alopecia.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stimulant medications (ASM) are widely used.
- The relationship between ASM and specific alopecia types requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ADHD stimulant medications (ASM) and alopecia areata (AA), alopecia totalis (AT), and alopecia universalis (AU).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study of patients aged 6-18 years over 10 years.
- Cases: patients diagnosed with AA, AT, or AU. Controls: 3 age- and sex-matched individuals per case.
- Analysis of ASM use (lisdexamfetamine, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate) and alopecia diagnoses using odds ratios and 95% CIs.
Main Results:
- A strong association was found between alopecia universalis (AU) and ASM use (P<0.0071).
- No significant association was observed between ASM use and alopecia areata (AA) or alopecia totalis (AT).
- The study identified 124 alopecia cases and 372 controls.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between alopecia universalis (AU) and ADHD stimulant medication (ASM) use.
- While the AU sample size was small, findings suggest potential risks.
- Clinicians should monitor patients with alopecia areata using ASM for disease progression and consider medication discontinuation if hair loss worsens.
Keywords:
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