Health Status, Coping Strategies, and Alexithymia in Subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia
February 2013
in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”
TLDR People with hair loss feel more depressed and anxious, especially women, and need help managing emotions and beliefs about their condition.
This study found that individuals with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, with a significantly higher prevalence in AGA females compared to males. Coping strategies used by AGA patients were found to be influenced by alexithymia, a personality trait characterized by difficulties in differentiating and describing feelings. AGA female subjects were found to suffer more and thus need more support than men. Physicians should focus on helping patients deal with emotional responses to alopecia, such as anger and worry, and their beliefs about the consequences of their condition. The study suggests that identifying subjects at risk of anxiety and depression and understanding their coping strategies may help physicians support their patients better.
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Cited in this study
research Health-related quality of life and physical well-being among a 63-year-old cohort of women with androgenetic alopecia; a Finnish population-based study
Women with androgenetic alopecia experience worse physical well-being and quality of life, but similar mental health compared to those without it.
research Effects of Self-Perceived Hair Loss in a Community Sample of Men
Men who think they are losing hair feel worse about themselves, especially if they are younger.
research Personality Disorders and Psychopathologic Symptoms in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia
People with androgenetic alopecia have more personality disorders and mental health symptoms; treatment may help.
research Psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia on women: Comparisons with balding men and with female control subjects
Hair loss affects women's mental health more than men's, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and social insecurity.
research The psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia in men
Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.
research Psychological characteristics of women with androgenetic alopecia: a controlled study
Women with AGA often face anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem; psychological support is important.
research Classification of the types of androgenetic alopecia (common baldness) occurring in the female sex
Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.