Psychosocial Aspects of Hair Loss

The document from May 3, 2017, outlines the psychological effects of hair loss, including conditions such as alopecia areata (AA) and trichotillomania. It reveals that hair loss can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, social phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. The text notes that 78% of children with AA suffer from at least one psychiatric disorder, with major depression at 50% and OCD at 35.7%. Additionally, 50% of AA patients had a pre-existing psychological or psychiatric disorder. Trichotillomania, characterized by compulsive hair pulling, is associated with psychiatric disorders and predominantly affects females. The document also discusses psychogenic pseudoeffluvium, where individuals believe they are losing hair without actual alopecia, and scarring alopecia, which causes permanent hair loss and significant stress, with 75% of patients experiencing moderate to severe stress. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of hair for psychological well-being and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to treat hair loss-related psychological issues.