Impact of Hair Loss on Quality of Life and Mental Health: A Comparative Study of Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata

March 2026 in “ Portuguese Journal of Dermatology and Venereology ”

Akshay Samagani, Leena Raveendra, Karishma Desai, T.P. Sumanth

androgenetic alopecia alopecia areata Dermatology Life Quality Index Beck Depression Inventory Scale Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale Patient Health Questionnaire AGA AA DLQI BDI BAI PHQ

TLDR Hair loss significantly affects quality of life and mental health, causing anxiety and depression.

This study examined the impact of hair loss on quality of life (QoL) and mental health in 200 patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA). Using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale (BAI), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), researchers found that both conditions significantly affected QoL, with mean DLQI scores indicating a large impact. Anxiety and depression were moderately present, with mean BAI and BDI scores reflecting this. Notably, nearly 50% of AGA patients experienced severe anxiety. While there was a significant difference in depressive and binge eating disorders between AA and AGA patients, no statistically significant difference was found in overall psychiatric comorbidities between the two groups. The study highlights the importance of understanding the psychological effects of AA and AGA to provide effective counseling and treatment.

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