Psychiatric factors in alopecia areata: A case report

Abstract

Introduction Alopecia areata is a recurrent nonscarring type of hair loss that can affect any hair-bearing area and can manifest in many different patterns. The influence of psychological factors in the development, evolution and therapeutic management of alopecia areata is well-documented. Life events and intrapsychically generated stress can play an important role in triggering of some episodes. Besides that, alopecia itself can cause psychosocial distress. Objectives/aims The authors will present a case of a 47 years old woman who developed alopecia areata after a big fight with her sister-in-law and after the death of her father-in-law. Methods Literature review of alopecia areata and correlation between alopecia areata and psychological factors. The patient has been followed in psychiatry ambulatory consultation, for a period of one year, and in dermatology outpatient consultation, for a period of four years. Results Stressful life events played an important role in the development of alopecia areata . The illness itself had an impact on the patient's life, with subsequent deterioration of psychological condition and social withdrawal during the exacerbations. Treatment with antidepressants positively affected the patient's adaptation to the disease and even lead to a better dermatological evolution of the alopecia . Conclusions There is a well-established correlation between psychological factors and alopecia areata . Therefore, these patients should be examined through multidisciplinary approach. The psychological aspect of alopecia areata must be taken in consideration, as it can be implicated in both pathogenesis and consequence of the disease.