The Psychiatric Burden in Alopecia Areata: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study

October 2025 in “ Dermatology and Therapy ”

Katarzyna Łuczak, Aleksandra Sójka, Ralf J. Ludwig, David Saceda Corralo, Jacek C. Szepietowski, Piotr K. Krajewski

alopecia areata psychiatric disorders mental health screenings dermatology-psychiatry care

Studysummary This study found that adults with alopecia areata, particularly women and those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, have an increased risk of developing new psychiatric disorders.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Adults with alopecia areata (AA) face a notably increased risk of developing new psychiatric disorders, with this risk being particularly pronounced in women and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that regular mental health screenings, timely referrals, and integrated dermatology-psychiatry care could improve patient outcomes. It also highlights the need for further prospective research that includes evaluations of disease severity and patient-reported outcomes.

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Research cited in this study

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research Sexual Dysfunction in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

1 citations , April 2025 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

This review reports that alopecia areata negatively affects sexual functioning, highlighting the need for further research due to limitations in current study sizes and populations.

research Alopecia Areata Is Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder And Alcohol Use In A Case-Control Study Of 4,785 Patients

6 citations , June 2024 in “Skin Appendage Disorders”

This study identified associations between alopecia areata and posttraumatic stress disorder, obesity, and alcohol use, reinforcing the need for psychiatric and alcohol use screening in these patients.

research The Associated Burden of Mental Health Conditions in Alopecia Areata: A Population-Based Study in UK Primary Care

20 citations , February 2022 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that people with alopecia areata have higher rates of depression and anxiety, leading to increased mental health treatment burden, more time off work, and higher unemployment compared to the general population.

research Association Between Alopecia Areata and COVID-19: A Systematic Review

7 citations , February 2022 in “JAAD International”

This review suggests that alopecia areata may occur as a dermatologic manifestation of COVID-19, often appearing 1 to 2 months after infection; further research is needed to clarify this association.

research Lifestyle Factors Involved in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

16 citations , January 2022 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

This review summarizes the influences of lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, and diet on the pathogenesis of alopecia areata but reports no new clinical results.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the clinical presentation and histopathologic features of alopecia areata and proposes a hypothesis for its development, but it reports no new clinical results.