Increased Risk of Alopecia Areata in Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Korean Nationwide Population-Based Study

    February 2023 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”
    Sanghoon Lee, Solam Lee, Hyun Kang, Jin‐Hee Lee, Won‐Soo Lee
    Image of study
    TLDR People with autism are more likely to develop alopecia areata than those without autism.
    This Korean nationwide population-based study investigated the association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and alopecia areata (AA) using data from 19,084 patients with ASD and 95,420 controls. The study found that patients with ASD had a significantly increased risk of developing AA (HR, 1.238; 95% CI, 1.100–1.395), particularly patchy alopecia, even after adjusting for factors like thyroid diseases, autoimmune hepatitis, and vitamin D deficiency. The study suggests a potential link between ASD and AA due to shared mechanisms of autoimmunity and immune dysregulation. However, the study's limitations include its single-ethnicity, retrospective design, and potential over-detection of comorbidities in ASD patients. Further research is needed to explore the complex relationship between ASD and AA.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    1 / 1 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Watching my younger brother bald hurts so much.

      in Treatment  266 upvotes 1 month ago
      A 19-year-old is distressed about his 17-year-old autistic brother's hair loss, projecting his own insecurities despite being on finasteride and dutasteride. Replies suggest the brother might not care about balding, and the poster should address his own issues.

      community Alopecia Areata Question

      in Treatment  2 upvotes 3 years ago
      A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

      community mbp alopecia areata or vitamin deficiency

      in Chat 3 months ago
      A 19-year-old male has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 8 months with no progress and is considering seeking a second opinion due to potential misdiagnosis. The discussion revolves around whether the hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or a vitamin deficiency.

      community Olumiant alternative for Alopecia Areata?

      in Treatment  1 upvotes 1 year ago
      A user with alopecia areata is considering treatment options like injections or Olumiant but is concerned about cost and whether delaying treatment will lead to permanent hair loss. They are seeking alternative treatments that are more affordable for a college student.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results