The Emotional Impact of Alopecia and Role of Psychological Interventions in Supporting Patients With Hair Loss

August 2025 in “ Clinical and Experimental Dermatology ”

Leila Asfour, Emma Solomon, Kerry Montgomery, Matthew Harries

alopecia alopecia areata female pattern hair loss psychological interventions emotional distress psychological morbidity screening tools risk stratification

TLDR Psychological therapies can improve wellbeing in people with hair loss.

The study reveals that patients with various hair disorders, including alopecia areata and female pattern hair loss, experience high levels of emotional distress, which do not necessarily correlate with the severity of their condition. By employing simple screening tools and risk stratification, healthcare providers can identify those with significant psychological morbidity. The research demonstrates that formal psychological therapies can effectively enhance the overall wellbeing of patients suffering from all types of alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Associated Burden of Mental Health Conditions in Alopecia Areata: A Population-Based Study in UK Primary Care

20 citations , February 2022 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata have a higher risk of depression and anxiety, and often face unemployment and work absences.

research Assessment of a Bidirectional Association Between Major Depressive Disorder and Alopecia Areata

37 citations , January 2019 in “JAMA Dermatology”

People with Major Depressive Disorder have a higher chance of getting Alopecia Areata, and vice versa; antidepressants may lower this risk.

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Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 1 year ago

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community I started rapidly diffuse thinning at 22. I'm 42 now and have as much hair as I did at 16. AMA

in Treatment 443 upvotes 5 years ago

Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, PRP, and microneedling helped maintain hair for 20 years. Research and try evidence-based treatments for best results.

community When are we getting a cure to hair loss?

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Potential treatments for hair loss, including Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841 and various upcoming pharmaceuticals, gene editing and cloning. It is suggested that a cure, if found, would be highly profitable due to the large number of people affected by hair loss globally.

community It’s over. NOTHING has worked.

in Chat 95 upvotes 2 years ago

A user who has been trying various treatments for hair loss for four years, with no success. Suggestions include use of minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, microneedling, supplements and multivitamins, lifestyle changes, scalp biopsy, and SMP.

community Why I deleted my YouTube channel Part I

in Update 118 upvotes 4 years ago

A YouTuber named Kevin, also known as Rider_Of_Roach, who deleted his YouTube channel due to personal attacks and controversy surrounding his views on hair loss treatments. He advocated for FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but faced backlash from those who disagreed with him. The conversation also discusses his past trolling behavior and a lawsuit he filed against a website that published false information about him. Despite some disagreements, many viewers appreciated his research-based content and hope to see him return in the future.

community Male pattern baldness is not cosmetic.

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Male pattern baldness is linked to health risks and should be treated medically. Finasteride is effective and should be insurance-covered.

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