Systematic Review of Psychological Interventions for Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Hair Growth in Alopecia Areata and Scarring Alopecia
January 2023
in “
Journal of Clinical Medicine
”
TLDR Psychological interventions can improve mental health and quality of life in people with alopecia.
This systematic review examines psychological interventions for improving quality of life, mental health, and hair growth in alopecia areata and scarring alopecia. Nine articles were reviewed, with eight focusing on alopecia areata and one on scarring alopecia. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) improved quality of life and reduced psychological symptoms. Alopecia-specific collocated behavioral health (CLBH) treatment showed psychosocial improvements. Hypnotherapy improved anxiety, depression, and quality of life, with mixed evidence for hair growth. Psychotherapy combined with immunotherapy enhanced hair growth and self-confidence. Coping strategies were linked to reduced subjective burden and disease improvement. Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and best practices for these interventions.