Environmental Stress But Not Subjective Distress in Children or Adolescents With Alopecia Areata

    March 2011 in “ Journal of psychosomatic research ”
    Francisco Díaz-Atienza, Manuel Gurpegui
    Image of study
    TLDR Kids with alopecia areata may experience more stress but not necessarily feel more anxious or depressed than others.
    The study investigated the relationship between environmental stress, subjective distress, and alopecia areata (AA) in 31 children and adolescents with AA, comparing them to 23 patients with epilepsy and 25 healthy siblings. The findings indicated that AA patients experienced more stressful life events and had higher urinary excretion of catecholamines than their healthy siblings. Compared to epilepsy patients, AA patients were more likely to come from single-parent families and perceived less family expressiveness. However, there were no significant differences in anxiety and depression scores among the three groups. The study concluded that alopecia areata in young patients might be triggered by stressful life events, particularly in the context of certain family dynamics or biological vulnerabilities, despite the absence of conscious distress.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    2 / 2 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Let's talk about natural options and last resorts.

      in Chat  7 upvotes 6 months ago
      The user discusses their long struggle with hair loss, considering various treatments like hair transplants, hair systems, and natural methods such as micro-needling, vitamin supplements, and a healthy lifestyle. They express concerns about side effects from drugs like finasteride and ultimately lean towards using a hair system for better appearance and confidence.

      community If you’re sitting there wondering, “I’m losing my hair, what do I do?” then read my advice here. I’ve been fighting the fight for 7 years, with great success. (pictures included)

      in Question  106 upvotes 11 years ago
      Fighting hair loss with "The Big 3" treatments of Propecia, Rogaine and Nizoral shampoo, as well as specific advice on how to use these products. People have shared their long-term success stories and some have discussed the side effects of finasteride. Other suggestions included Lipogaine and Pura D'or Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner.

      community Watching my younger brother bald hurts so much.

      in Treatment  264 upvotes 3 months ago
      A 19-year-old is distressed about his 17-year-old autistic brother's hair loss, projecting his own insecurities despite being on finasteride and dutasteride. Replies suggest the brother might not care about balding, and the poster should address his own issues.

      community My experience and a discourse on “DUPA”

      in Chat  46 upvotes 1 year ago
      How diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) is not an invitation to self-diagnose oneself with aggressive AGA and that seeking a specialized dermatologist may help people experiencing hair loss. Treatment options discussed include topical clobetasol propionate, oral minoxidil, and discontinuing finasteride.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  443 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results