Alopecia Areata's Psychological Impact on Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Work Productivity: A Scoping Review

Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss, significantly affects patients' quality of life, mental health, and work productivity. The visible hair loss often leads to self-consciousness, social isolation, and reduced self-esteem, impacting daily routines and overall life quality. Patients frequently experience heightened anxiety and depression compared to the general population, exacerbated by the disease's unpredictable nature. In the workplace, alopecia areata can reduce self-confidence, increase absenteeism, and complicate interpersonal relationships, with stigmatization and misunderstandings further hindering professional performance.