Stress linked to hair loss

[HairLossFight.com]

Stress may be linked to Alopecia Areata, according to the following abstract. I would venture so far as saying that it's probably linked to Androgenetic Alopecia as well, to some degree. I am not suggesting that stress causes AGA, but I am saying that I think it's quite likely to exascerbate it by potentially increasing inflammation. This is just my opinion and conjecture however -- I fully acknowledge that... But the abstract below does suggest theirs a link between Alopecia Areata and stress:

Alopecia Areata and Psychiatric Disorders: An Association Often Overlooked and Left Untreated
S. Ruiz-Dobladoa; M.B. Estepa-Zabalaa; M.R. Garca-Soliera; M.J. Garca-Hernndezb

aConsultation-Liaison Psychiatric Unit, Merced County Hospital, Osuna (Seville), bDermatology and Venereology Department, School of Medicine, Seville, Spain

Dermatol Psychosom 2004;5:167-171
(DOI: 10.1159/00083090)

Alopecia areata is a multifactorial, chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicles. The role of psychosocial factors in the course of the illness, and the psychiatric disorders resulting from the esthetic and social repercussions of hair loss, are analyzed and reviewed in this article. Psychiatric comorbidity is high; depressive episodes, generalized anxiety disorders, social phobia and adjustment disorders are frequently found. Alopecia areata often occurs after stress and critical life-events. Neuropeptides and psychoneuroimmunological factors may play a role in the development of the disease. Still, several studies do not support the pathogenic role of emotional variables, whereas others find that critical lifeevents may play an important role in triggering episodes of alopecia areata. The results of personality studies carried out in patients with alopecia areata are inconsistent; alexithymic traits, type-A behavior and normal personality traits have been reported. In severe forms of alopecia areata, psychotherapeutic approaches and social therapy have been documented as useful in the global management of disease. Anxiolytics or antidepressants may also be useful. The authors hold that consultation-liaison psychiatry is an appropriate setting for an integral, biopsychosocial treatment of these patients.

[kakarot]

Im sorry to say this but I believe every word in that article. That hit the money for me. That is exactly what happened to me. Sam not to tell my life story but in a nutshell. Over the last 3 years of my life I have suffered from tremendous stress and depression. Ive worked on it myself to get better and I have improved but I feel that I sometimes have quick fazes of depression here and there. I've lost alot in over the last few years, although I've gained other things such as a college degree, a better mind and body, and Im growing up. So I really try to look on the bright side of things as you can see. But I've always been a sad person dwelling on the awful things in life. Ive changed though, but reading that article made me think maybe I could somehow stop my hair loss by taking antidepressants but then again I keep hearing that antidepressants can cause hair loss. I dont know what to do, so tell me your suggestion. thanks

[HairLossFight.com]

Kakarot,

I'm convinced that stress has played a role in my own situation as well, but only in the sense that it has sped up the inevitable. I'm sure that my situation is mostly hereditary.

If I were you I wouldn't take antidepressants for the sake of preventing hair loss, and it is true that some are known to cause some hair loss. However, I would consider taking anti-depressants if I was depressed all the time and it was not clear why... Or if it was getting in the way of my overall happiness in life. I would see a doctor first to get a diagnosis. If it was clinical depression then I would consider taking the pills.

However, I think there are some things one can do to reduce depression and have a healthier lifestyle. Working out is a big morale booster for me, as is spending time with good friends and family. I have never had clinical depression though, so I don't know if these things would help at all if one were in that situation... Best to consult a doctor.

Cheers,
Sam