The relationship between alopecia areata and alexithymia, anxiety and depression: A case-control study

Abstract

Background:Alopecia areata (AA) is a skin disease characterized by the sudden appearance of areas of hair loss on the scalp and other hair-bearing areas, but its aesthetic repercussions can lead to profound changes in patient's psychological status and relationships.Aim:The goal was to investigate a possible relationship between AA and alexithymia as well as two other emotional dimensions, anxiety and depression.Materials and Methods:Fifty patients with AA seen in the Department of Dermatology of Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax were included in this study. Anxiety and depression were evaluated by Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale questionnaire, alexithymia was assessed by Toronto Alexithymia scale 20, and severity of AA was measured by Severity of Alopecia Tool.Results:Patient's mean age was 32.92 years. 52% of patients were females. Depression and anxiety were detected respectively in 38% and 62% of patients. There was statistically significant difference between patients and control group in terms of depression (P = 0.047) and anxiety (P = 0.005). Forty-two percent of patients scored positive for alexithymia. No significant difference was found between patient and control groups (P = 0.683) in terms of alexithymia. Anxiety was responsible for 14.7% of variation in alexithymia (P = 0.047).Conclusions:Our study shows a high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in AA patients. Dermatologists should be aware of the psychological impact of AA, especially as current treatments have limited effectiveness.

Reliability and validity assessment of the revised Symptom Checklist 90 for alopecia areata patients in China

“…In accordance with previous studies, women with AA had significantly more psychological problems, especially somatization, anxiety and hostility, in the present study. This has been attributed to a higher degree of AA‐related distress in women than in men, probably because hair plays a more important role in their self‐image and self‐esteem, because they are more sensitive to hair loss, and because hair loss is more difficult to accept, leading to anxiety reactions …”

“…This has been attributed to a higher degree of AA-related distress in women than in men, probably because hair plays a more important role in their self-image and self-esteem, because they are more sensitive to hair loss, and because hair loss is more difficult to accept, leading to anxiety reactions. 11,[32][33][34] We also found that there was a significant correlation between AA duration and psychological distress; furthermore, patients with alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis exhibited higher anxiety and phobic anxiety scores. One possible explanation could be that such patients have more fully realized the potential negative implications of their disease, but have not yet acquired the necessary coping skills.…”

Prevalence of alexithymia in patients with psoriasis and its association with disease burden: a multicentre observational study

“…No association has been found between alexithymia and either acne or seborrhoeic dermatitis . The association between alexithymia and alopecia areata is controversial . Several single‐centre studies have shown that alexithymia is more prevalent among those with psoriasis than in aged‐matched controls from the general population …”

“…11 The association between alexithymia and alopecia areata is controversial. [12][13][14] Several single-centre studies have shown that alexithymia is more prevalent among those with psoriasis than in aged-matched controls from the general population. [15][16][17][18][19] Information on the prevalence of alexithymia with psoriasis and the association between alexithymia and psoriasis burden is limited.…”

Relación Médico-Paciente en La Consulta De Dermatología

“…La ansiedad fue responsable de 14,7% de la variación en la alexitimia (P = 0,047). Con esto podemos concluir que existe una alta prevalencia de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión entre los pacientes que sufren una alopecia areata [30].…”