The Association Between Atopic Dermatitis and Learning Disabilities

Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, are known to impact school performance.¹ Pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and their caregivers may already report hindered academic achievement because of missed schooling for medical appointments, poor concentration, or sleep
disturbances.^2,3 While AD has been associated with reduced educational attainment,⁴ little is known about the specific impact of AD on learning disabilities.

A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology, titled “Association of Atopic Dermatitis Severity With Learning Disability in Children,” found that AD severity was associated with greater odds of reported learning disability.⁵ This association was independent of socioeconomic characteristics, onset age of AD, and other related disorders. Of the 2074 participants in the cross-sectional study, 169 (8.3%) reported having a diagnosis of learning disability as diagnosed by a health care practitioner. While more study is needed, the results point to a potential need to screen for learning disability in children with AD.

Joy Wan, MD, MSCE, was the lead author of the JAMA Dermatology study.⁵ Dr Wan is an instructor in the department of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania and practices at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her clinical and research expertise includes AD, psoriasis, and pediatric dermatoepidemiology. She joined The Dermatologist to discuss the study and share her insights on AD.

To read the full article, visit the online ahead of print version by clicking here!