Psychological Features of Androgenetic Alopecia

September 2002 in “ Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ”

F Camacho, MJ García‐Hernández

androgenetic alopecia female androgenetic alopecia male androgenetic alopecia trichology depression anxiety aggressiveness surgical treatment AGA FAGA MAGA

Studysummary In this study, depression was more common among women with androgenetic alopecia, while men showed higher levels of anxiety, aggressiveness, and a lack of adherence to treatment. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study evaluated the psychological features of 100 patients with female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) and 100 with male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA) at a trichology unit in Spain. It found that depression was more common in FAGA (55%) compared to MAGA (3%), while anxiety and aggressiveness were more prevalent in MAGA (78% and 22%, respectively) than in FAGA (41% and 3%, respectively). Treatment improved conditions in 89% of FAGA and 76% of MAGA patients. A small percentage of patients requested surgical treatment, and some did not return for follow-up. The study concluded that AGA patients often had elusive personalities, with men showing higher dropout rates and aggressiveness. Most patients accepted treatment, though some expressed dissatisfaction with initial results.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Psychosocial Consequences of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Research Literature

180 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This review discusses the psychological and social impacts of androgenetic alopecia and suggests that medical treatments can have some positive psychological effects, highlighting the condition's moderate stress and impact on body image.

research Quality of Life Issues in Male Pattern Hair Loss

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research Personality Disorders and Psychopathologic Symptoms in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia

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This study found that the prevalence of personality disorders in individuals with androgenetic alopecia was significantly higher than in the general population, irrespective of gender.

research Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia on Women: Comparisons with Balding Men and Female Control Subjects

222 citations , October 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that androgenetic alopecia causes significant psychological distress, particularly in women, who exhibit a more negative body image and less adaptive functioning compared to controls.