Psychotrichology: Psychosomatic Aspects of Hair Diseases

The document reviews the field of psychotrichology, focusing on the psychological impact and psychosomatic aspects of hair diseases. It categorizes hair disorders into primary disorders, such as body dysmorphic disorder and trichotillomania, and secondary disorders that result from congenital or acquired hair conditions leading to psychological issues like depression and anxiety. The review underscores the need for early diagnosis and a range of treatments including psychosomatic care, therapy, and medication. It also notes that 76% of patients with trichodynia have psychiatric disorders. The document acknowledges the influence of social and cultural factors on hair perception and the psychological co-morbidities associated with various hair disorders, advocating for a holistic treatment approach. It discusses the debated role of stress in alopecia areata and the limited evidence for psychotherapy's effectiveness on hair growth, while highlighting some success with psychotherapy and antidepressants in treating hair loss. The term "psychogenic pseudo-effluvium" is considered outdated, with a call for more precise diagnostic terms.