Clinical Severity Does Not Reliably Predict Quality of Life in Women With Alopecia Areata, Telogen Effluvium, or Androgenic Alopecia

    Erika E. Reid, Ann Cameron Haley, Judy H. Borovicka, Alfred Rademaker, Dennis P. West, Maria L. Colavincenzo, Heather W. Wickless
    Image of study
    TLDR How bad a woman's hair loss is doesn't always match how it affects her happiness and daily life.
    The study involving 104 female patients with alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, or androgenic alopecia demonstrated that the clinical severity of hair loss did not reliably predict quality of life as measured by the Skindex-16 questionnaire. Patients' self-assessment of hair loss severity was more closely associated with their quality of life than dermatologists' assessments, particularly in the domains of symptoms, emotions, and function. The findings suggest that patients' perceptions of their hair loss are more impactful on their quality of life than the objective severity assessed by dermatologists. The study underscores the importance of considering psychological and quality of life factors in the treatment of alopecia and calls for further research into psychological treatments and coping strategies for affected individuals.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    4 / 4 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Hair loss over a year following depression and taking antidepressants

      in Side effects?  201 upvotes 1 week ago
      A 33-year-old experienced significant hair loss after a depressive episode and taking paroxetine, possibly due to telogen effluvium or androgenic alopecia. Suggestions included reducing alcohol, considering finasteride and minoxidil, and consulting a doctor about antidepressant side effects.

      community 25M Exploring Causes of Hair Loss: TE, Alopecia, or AGA?

      in General  226 upvotes 4 months ago
      The user is experiencing hair loss with possible causes including chronic telogen effluvium, diffuse alopecia areata, and androgenic alopecia. They have tried treatments like Nizoral shampoo, minoxidil, and finasteride, and are considering a biopsy for further clarity.

      community any news about DUPA (Diffuse unpatterned alopecia)?

      in Research/Science  11 upvotes 3 years ago
      The conversation discusses diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) and its possible causes, including sensitivity to DHT, not being androgenic alopecia, being diffuse alopecia areata, or hormonal issues. Treatments mentioned include topical melatonin, Clobetasol Propionate for alopecia areata, and the lack of results from using finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil.

      community AGA evaluation and first steps - BEGINNER MEGAPOST

      in Chat  78 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses androgenic alopecia (AGA) and its treatments, focusing on finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo. Finasteride is recommended as essential for preventing further hair loss.

    Related Research

    7 / 7 results