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

September 1999 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Thomas F. Cash

androgenetic alopecia minoxidil finasteride self-esteem body image quality of life AGA Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Hair loss affects self-esteem and quality of life; treatments can help.

This document is a compilation of summaries of various research papers on the psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a common form of hair loss. AGA can negatively impact self-esteem, body image, and quality of life, especially in women. Medical treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can have some psychological benefits. The document emphasizes the need for more research on the psychological effects of hair loss and the importance of providing support and treatment options for those affected. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the psychological impact of AGA and offer appropriate support and treatment options to patients.

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Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations, October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.

research Guidelines of Care for Androgenetic Alopecia

37 citations, September 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Treat genetic hair loss early with FDA-approved medications and consider hair transplantation.

research Personality Disorders and Psychopathologic Symptoms in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

14 citations, July 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

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”

Hair loss affects women's mental health more than men's, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and social insecurity.

research The Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

192 citations, June 1992 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.

research Psychological Characteristics of Women with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Controlled Study

58 citations, September 1991 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Women with AGA often face anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem; psychological support is important.

research Losing Hair, Losing Points? The Effects of Male Pattern Baldness on Social Impression Formation

68 citations, February 1990 in “Journal of Applied Social Psychology”

Bald men are often viewed more negatively and as older than they really are.

research Dermatology

1 citations, May 1989 in “JAMA”

Minoxidil can help hair growth but may not always look cosmetically good.

research Minoxidil: Hope for the Bald?

40 citations, May 1987 in “The Lancet”

Minoxidil helps some bald men, but most lose hair again when stopping.

research Review: Topical Minoxidil for Male Pattern Baldness

25 citations, May 1986 in “The American Journal of the Medical Sciences”

Minoxidil helps hair growth and boosts self-esteem in balding men.

Related Research

8 / 8 results

research Pediatric Androgenetic Alopecia: An Updated Review

January 2023 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Early diagnosis and personalized treatment are crucial for managing hair loss in children.

research Male Androgenetic Alopecia

1 citations, November 2021 in “CRC Press eBooks”

Common hair loss in men can be treated with minoxidil or finasteride.

research Pharmacological Therapeutics in Androgenetic Alopecia

3 citations, May 2020 in “Journal of The Korean Medical Association”

Minoxidil and finasteride are effective for treating hair loss, with dutasteride showing potential but with side effects.

research Hair Loss in Lichen Planopilaris and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Not Always Irreversible

9 citations, January 2020 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Hair loss from conditions like LPP and FFA can potentially be reversed with the right treatment.

research Types of Hair Loss and Treatment Options, Including the Novel Low-Level Light Therapy and Its Proposed Mechanism

46 citations, September 2010 in “Southern Medical Journal”

Hair loss treatments include medications and new methods like low-level light therapy, which may work by boosting cell activity and blood flow.

research Therapy of Alopecia: Psychological Impact and Treatments

January 2005 in “Farmaceutski glasnik”

Minoxidil and finasteride are key treatments for hair loss.

research An Open, Randomized, Comparative Study of Oral Finasteride and 5% Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

71 citations, January 2004 in “Dermatology”

Oral finasteride works better than topical minoxidil for hair growth, both are safe.

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

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

Hair loss affects self-esteem and quality of life; treatments can help.