Female Pattern Hair Loss and Negative Psychological Impact: Possible Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

July 2023 in “ Dermatology practical & conceptual ”

Noha E Mohamed, M. E. Soltan, Sara Ahmed Galal, Hassan Salem El Sayed, Haytham Mohamed Mohamed Hassan, Basma H. M. Khatery

Female Pattern Hair Loss Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor BDNF alopecia Perceived Stress Scale Beck Depression Beck Anxiety Score serum BDNF chronic stress anxiety depression FPHL

TLDR Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss may experience more stress, anxiety, and depression, and have lower levels of BDNF, which could predict the psychological impact.

The study, involving 87 female subjects, aimed to evaluate the levels of serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) and its correlation to the severity of alopecia and psychological impact. The study found that FPHL has a negative psychological effect on patients, including stress, depression, and anxiety. The Perceived Stress Scale and Beck Depression were significantly higher in the patient group. The patient group's serum level of BDNF was significantly lower than the control group, which can be linked to major depressive disorders, anxiety-related disorders, response to stressful events, and neurodevelopmental disorders. There was a significant negative correlation between serum BDNF and Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Anxiety Score, and Beck Depression Score. The study concluded that patients suffering from FPHL have a high risk to develop chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, and the serum level of BDNF acts as a good predictor for assessment of negative psychological affection in such patients. The study suggests a significant association between decreased serum BDNF levels and FPHL.

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