Understanding the Association Between Mental Health and Hair Loss

    May 2025 in “ Cureus
    Mauri Malta, German Corso
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    TLDR Mental health and hair loss are linked, and treating both can improve well-being.
    The review examines the bidirectional relationship between mental health and hair loss, noting that psychological stress can trigger or worsen hair loss, while hair loss can exacerbate psychiatric symptoms. It discusses conditions like alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and trichotillomania, highlighting the roles of immune dysregulation, inflammatory pathways, and neurobiological dysfunctions. The review emphasizes the gut-brain-skin axis and the impact of psychiatric medications on hair health. It underscores the importance of integrated care between dermatology and psychiatry, suggesting that interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can improve outcomes. The study, based on a narrative review of 45 articles, calls for holistic treatment models that address both psychological and dermatological aspects to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
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