Alopecia and Mood Stabilizers: Two Case Reports

The document described two cases where alopecia was associated with the use of mood stabilizers lithium and valproate. The first case involved a 30-year-old female who experienced hair regrowth after switching from lithium to valproate. The second case involved a 50-year-old female who had hair regrowth after stopping valproate, although her psychiatric condition deteriorated, leading to a cautious reintroduction of valproate without further hair loss. The document highlighted that drug-induced alopecia is typically diffuse, non-scarring, and reversible, but it emphasized the importance of addressing this side effect due to its potential impact on a patient's willingness to comply with treatment. The mechanisms behind mood stabilizer-induced alopecia remain unclear, and the document suggests trying alternative mood stabilizers or cautiously reintroducing the same drug if necessary.