TLDR Stress may affect alopecia areata, but it's not a confirmed trigger.
This study aimed to investigate the role of stressful life events in the onset and exacerbation of alopecia areata and to compare anxiety, depression, and quality of life levels in patients with alopecia areata to those with androgenetic alopecia and healthy controls. The study included 31 patients with alopecia areata, 46 patients with androgenetic alopecia, and 45 healthy individuals. The findings suggested that while emotional stress was not definitively shown to trigger alopecia areata, neuroendocrinological studies supported the potential impact of psychological stress on the disease process. The study utilized life events scales, Beck depression inventory, and Beck anxiety inventory to assess the participants.
86 citations
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May 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” How bad a woman's hair loss is doesn't always match how it affects her happiness and daily life.
43 citations
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March 2011 in “Journal of psychosomatic research” Kids with alopecia areata may experience more stress but not necessarily feel more anxious or depressed than others.
69 citations
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May 2009 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Stress might contribute to hair loss in alopecia areata.
375 citations
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July 2006 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Stress can worsen skin and hair conditions by affecting the skin's immune response and hormone levels.
275 citations
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November 2002 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Alopecia areata mainly affects young people and has significant psychological impacts, especially in males.
180 citations
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September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Hair loss affects self-esteem and quality of life; treatments can help.
69 citations
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May 2009 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Stress might contribute to hair loss in alopecia areata.
20 citations
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November 2012 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft” Hair diseases can have psychological effects and should be treated with a combination of psychosomatic care, therapy, and medication.
107 citations
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December 2013 in “International Journal of Dermatology” The document concludes that hair is complex, with a detailed growth cycle, structure, and clinical importance, affecting various scientific and medical fields.
2 citations
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January 2023 in “International journal of biological sciences” Gray hair can potentially be reversed, leading to new treatments.
January 2009 in “Springer eBooks” The document concludes that treating skin conditions should include psychological care and a multidisciplinary approach is essential for effective management.
