Hair Loss Effects and Surgical/Drug Treatments for Alopecias

The document from 2012 discusses the significant psychological and social impacts of hair loss, including emotional distress, reduced self-esteem, and psychiatric disorders, with women often experiencing more severe psychosocial consequences. It outlines various types of alopecia, such as androgenetic alopecia (AGA), alopecia areata (AA), anagen effluvium, and telogen effluvium, and their causes, ranging from hormonal changes and genetics to autoimmune responses and stress. Treatments for alopecia are reviewed, including drugs like minoxidil and finasteride for AGA, contact sensitizers for AA, and the potential of gene therapy, as well as non-drug therapies and surgical options like hair transplantation. The document also discusses the importance of psychological therapies and cosmetic measures to help patients cope. It emphasizes the need for an integrated treatment approach and further research to improve treatment efficacy, highlighting the profound effects of hair loss on individuals' identities and the necessity of effective treatment options due to the significant psychosocial impact.