utd_medknow
International Journal of Trichology International Journal of Trichology
 Print this page Email this page Small font sizeDefault font sizeIncrease font size
 
 
  Home | About IJT | Editorial board | Search | Ahead of print | Current Issue | Archives | Instructions | Online submission | Subscribe | Advertise | Contact us | Login   
 


 
 Table of Contents  
REVIEW ARTICLE
Year : 2020  |  Volume : 12  |  Issue : 5  |  Page : 197-204  

Cumulative life course impairment of alopecia areata


1 Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
2 National Alopecia Areata Foundation, San Rafael; Department of Dermatology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
3 National Alopecia Areata Foundation, San Rafael, USA
4 Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

Date of Submission15-Jun-2020
Date of Decision17-Aug-2020
Date of Acceptance29-Jul-2020
Date of Web Publication03-Nov-2020

Correspondence Address:
Maryanne M Senna
50 Staniford Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02114
USA
Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_99_20

Rights and Permissions
   Abstract 


Alopecia areata (AA), an unpredictable, nonscarring hair loss, is commonly perceived as a cosmetic, rather than medical, concern. However, substantial evidence exists describing the negative impact on quality of life, as the disease affects patients personally, socially, financially, and physically. Over time, the cumulative disability may perpetuate poor confidence, social disconnection, negative coping strategies, and failure to achieve a full life potential. Here, we describe the cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) of AA by examining the complex interaction of (1) stigmatization, (2) physical and psychiatric comorbidities, and (3) coping strategies. The model aggregates existing cross-sectional data, which have previously captured disease burden only as snapshots in time. Thus, by examining cumulative effects, the CLCI model serves as a proxy for longitudinal data to better describe life course epidemiology of the disease.

Keywords: Alopecia areata, cumulative life course impairment, quality of life


How to cite this article:
Burns LJ, Mesinkovska N, Kranz D, Ellison A, Senna MM. Cumulative life course impairment of alopecia areata. Int J Trichol 2020;12:197-204

How to cite this URL:
Burns LJ, Mesinkovska N, Kranz D, Ellison A, Senna MM. Cumulative life course impairment of alopecia areata. Int J Trichol [serial online] 2020 [cited 2023 Mar 22];12:197-204. Available from: https://www.ijtrichology.com/text.asp?2020/12/5/197/299860




   Introduction Top


Despite substantial evidence demonstrating the negative effects on quality of life (QoL), alopecia areata (AA) is commonly considered to be a cosmetic concern by insurers and physicians alike. The Cumulative Life Course Impairment (CLCI) concept aims to characterize the compounding effects of disease resulting in a failure to achieve “full life potential” in some patients. It serves as an alternative to longitudinal data and can aid physicians in identifying high-risk patients to promote early intervention and expand access to treatment.

Background

AA is an inflammatory, nonscarring hair loss, affecting all ages, sexes, and ethnicities. Among the US population, the cumulative lifetime incidence is 2%, with 0.1%–0.2% prevalence in the general population.[1],[2] AA most commonly presents as sudden onset of well-demarcated, asymptomatic, patches of hair loss. Approximately 5% of AA cases will progress to alopecia totalis (AT), a loss of all scalp hair, or alopecia universalis (AU), a loss of all scalp and body hair.[3] Conventionally, patients under 40 years of age are affected, with nearly 50% seeking treatment before the age of 20 years.[4] The condition is notoriously unpredictable,[5] with age at presentation, AA subtype, and duration of hair loss all predictive of prognosis. To date, there is no definitive treatment available.[6]

AA is an autoimmune disease driven by the loss of immune privilege of the anagen hair follicle. Infiltration of autoreactive cytotoxic T-lymphocytes disrupts hair cycling, causing premature entry into the telogen phase. Notably, inflammation is targeted at the hair bulb, sparing the follicular stem cells, and allowing for potential re-growth.[7],[8] Recently, upregulation of the Janus kinase (JAK) transcription pathway has been identified in the pathogenesis of AA, with targeted therapies showing promise for treatment.[9]

The physical discomfort of AA is limited, perhaps leading to the common perception that AA is purely a cosmetic condition. However, the negative effects of AA on health-related QoL have been well documented, which are comparable to patients with chronic skin disease such as psoriasis.[10],[11] In fact, the effects are far reaching, not only impacting QoL of individuals with AA, but also their families.[12] Patients' willingness to pay for a cure matches that of patients with vitiligo, with a median value of 13%–22% of monthly income.[13] Even still, the treatment for AA is not viewed as medically necessary by many insurers, and in some cases, physicians.[14] It also remains underfunded by government agencies relative to the estimated disability burden among cutaneous diseases.[15],[16],[17]


   Cumulative Life Course Impairment Top


Stigmatization and cultural perception of hair loss drive social, economic, and emotional burden. Previous studies have sought to evaluate these effects by producing cross-sectional data in the single domains of functioning. However, the full disease impact cannot be fully appreciated through these snapshots alone. Instead, a more complete assessment of disability accounts for the complex series of emotional and physical consequences over a lifetime.

This concept was first proposed by Kimball et al. as the “CLCI.”[18] Through this model, the collective effects of stigmatization, physical and psychological co-morbidities, and coping strategies are compiled. First developed to evaluate psoriasis, the concept has since been applied to several other dermatologic conditions, including vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, epidermolysis bullosa, chronic wounds, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, melanoma, and nonmelanoma skin cancers.[19],[20],[21],[22],[23],[24] It proves a powerful tool to evaluate the conditions causing functional impairment, prominent subjective symptoms, and/or profound psychosocial impairment.[23]

Personal patient accounts serve as compelling narratives but cannot capture implications for the broader patient population. Instead, life course epidemiology would best be assessed with longitudinal data. However, it is rendered largely infeasible by the complexity of required statistical techniques.[25] Alternatively, CLCI serves as a proxy. Here, we apply the core components of the CLCI concept to AA, as outlined in [Table 1], by identifying cross-sectional data within each category of the established model. Thus, we propose a unique view of the cumulative impact of AA and its alterations of life trajectory.
Table 1: Intrapersonal components of the cumulative life course impairment model applied to alopecia areata

Click here to view



   Methods Top


A search of the PubMed database was conducted in October 2019 using a combination of free text keywords and medical subject headings for the concepts of AA and the way the condition may impact the individual based on the CLCI model. Numerous synonyms for the outcomes of interest were used and can be found in accompanying [Appendix S1]. The results were limited to the English language citations. Publications specific to AA that supported one of the CLCI concepts were included as evidence.




   Physical Co-Morbidities Top


Physiologically, hair serves as protection from the elements, including sun and air-borne particles. Thus, loss associated with AA leave patients susceptible to sunburn, eye irritation, and allergies.[26] However, the biological function of hair is only a small piece of the larger impact on physical health, as AA is associated with many systemic diseases.[27] The most prevalent association is nail abnormalities, with 46% of pediatric patients and 14%–19% of adults presenting with nail findings such as pitting or trachyonychia.[28],[29]

Intuitively, AA is strongly associated with other autoimmune conditions. The most common is thyroid disease, which is found in 19% of patients;[30],[31] however, AA is also reported to be associated with diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, vitiligo, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.[32] In addition, patients with AA have an increased risk for atopic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma.[33],[34] Interestingly, nutritional deficiencies, including Vitamin D and iron are also more common in AA patients[33],[35] as are sleep disorders.[36]


   Stigma Top


Hair is more than “just hair,” as it serves as a symbol of gender, age, beauty, status, values, health, and group membership.[37] In a qualitative survey study conducted by Davey et al., patients report feeling “monstrous or alien,” noting the fact that villains and evil characters, such as Voldemort, Gollum, Nosferatu, are portrayed as bald.[38] They frequently encounter misconceptions of sickness or chemotherapy treatment, with public ostracizing or pity as a result.[39] Patients are even accused of belonging to extremist cults. The stigmatization is compounded by the high visibility and difficulty of concealing the condition. Thus, men and women alike, feel obligated to wear hats, scarves, wigs and make-up or fear being seen in public. The evolving effect is profound, as individuals with AA were found to have higher rates of self-stigmatization than mental health patients.[40]


   Psychological Co-Morbidities Top


Several mechanisms have been proposed linking stress to the development of AA. For instance, increased corticotropic releasing hormone secretion has been shown to stimulate neurogenic inflammation leading to the collapse of follicular immune privilege.[41] This is demonstrated clinically, as up to 58%–77% of patients report a stressful life event preceding the onset of AA.[42],[43],[44] However, the role of stress in the development of AA remains controversial.

While the reciprocal relationship of stress and hair loss remains unclear, data evaluating psychiatric comorbidities associated with AA have been generated by cross-sectional, retrospective, case-controlled, epidemiologic, and survey studies [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4]. The results demonstrate the higher rates of depression and anxiety, adjustment disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and alexithymia.[54],[55],[56],[57],[58],[59],[60],[61],[62] Patients with AA were found to be at an elevated risk of suicide and intentional self-inflicted injury (odds ratio: 2.84).[54] Mortality risk associated with intentional self-harm is significantly higher in AA patients, with a 2-fold higher risk for young adults with AT or universalis.[58] Disease severity appears to be an important factor, as the number of psychiatric visits in AA patients was increased according to the number of intralesional injection treatments received.[59]
Table 2: Social and financial-related evidence for cumulative life course impairment

Click here to view
Table 3: Coping related evidence for cumulative life course impairment

Click here to view
Table 4: Psychiatric co-morbidity related evidence for Cumulative Life Course Impairment

Click here to view



   Social and Economic Impact Top


Perception of stigmatization or overt social rejection has significant effects on self-confidence and self-worth, particularly important given the frequent onset of AA in pediatric patients. Adolescence is a time of internal conflict and pressure to conform. Visible disfigurement at this transitional period can be devastating, leading to social withdrawal. As such, affected children are common targets of bullying, limiting their participation in activities and formation of friendships.[47],[63] With time, the consequences compound, leading to learned social avoidance and fears of rejection. Patients struggle with a restricted life, avoiding activities such as sports, swimming, shopping, and social events. Many make alterations to career and education trajectory,[45] choosing roles with less public visibility.[38],[63] Romantic relationships are broadly affected, with sexual QoL affected in men and women alike, regardless of marital status.[46]

As with many chronic medical conditions, the financial burden to patients and their families can become substantial. Wigs, although helpful tools for concealment, can cost patients several thousands of dollars, with 65% of patients reporting worry about affording replacements.[49] Medical costs, associated with treatment of AA, as well as comorbid conditions, are often a source of stress for patients and families, with 29% reporting perceived financial difficulties.[48] JAK inhibitors, although demonstrating efficacy in AU and AT, are currently prescribed off label and rarely covered by insurance or pharmaceutical financial assistance programs. Out-of-pocket costs near $5000 per month.


   Coping Top


Coping is a key moderating component of CLCI caused by physical, psychological, social, financial, and stigmatizing factors. Even a small disease burden can result in significant impairment when ineffective coping strategies are coupled with limited social support. Personality traits can also combat disease burden. However, like coping techniques, these are shaped throughout development, often during or after AA onset.

Maladaptive coping strategies can further perpetuate the CLCI. It is not uncommon for patients first experiencing an episode of AA to blame themselves or fate. Intropunitive measures are taken, such as stopping social occasions, wearing fashionable clothes, or looking in the mirror.[52] Intuitively, avoidant coping and less active emotional coping were associated with high rates of QoL impairment.[53] Some coping mechanisms, while beneficial in the short term, may have delayed detrimental consequences. Patients with first onset of AA were found to feel less burdened when adopting an attitude of regrowth.[50] However, with time, 43% of patients report their treatments as ineffective,[42] leading to a sense of less personal control and stronger illness identity, both found to be predictive of greater QoL impairment.[53]

Conversely, some patients cultivate adaptive coping mechanisms, such as humor, support-seeking, or acceptance.[64] Practical coping, such as with scarves and wigs, can improve self-esteem and adaptability.[51] One study reports 87% of patients using a wig to socialize.[49] Unfortunately, this too can be a source of anxiety, as 43% felt that wigs could negatively affect their confidence in social situations, due to fears of being “found out.”[49] Perhaps, one of the strongest coping mechanisms reported by AA patients is acceptance,[38],[50],[64] often developed only after many years of AA and attempting multiple treatment modalities.

Adopting the abstract concept of a “coping reservoir,” one can imagine a steady depletion from the daily struggles of AA.[39] This is true even in the absence of active disease, as the patients often live with worry given the unpredictable relapsing nature of the condition. As such, their ability to navigate social, familial, or personal problems is impaired compared to the general population. Fortunately, resources exist for patients, including relaxation techniques, yoga, and mindfulness, which have recently gained traction.[52],[65] Support groups and social media can be powerful resources for patients and their family members.[66],[67] The National Alopecia Areata Foundation serves to educate, advocate, and connect patients, offering tools to overcome the physical and emotional challenges.


   Discussion Top


The negative effects of dermatologic disease on QoL have been well recognized, as is the case for AA.[10] However, QoL, by nature, is cross-sectional, representing the symptomatic, emotional, and social impact of AA only at a given snapshot in time. By comparison, the concept of life course impairment, characterizes the consequences of chronic diseases accumulated over a lifetime. It captures the impact on life milestones, relationships, health, and finances – assessing how a disease can limit the possibility of patients living life to their full potential.

Demonstrated here, AA affects patients in nearly every facet of life. Patient specific life-trajectory is variable; however, the CLCI concept can support physicians in better understanding and identifying patients at increased vulnerability. This information can inform early intervention to prevent the progression of life course impairment, by screening for physical comorbidities (i.e., thyroid function testing[31] and Vitamin levels), connecting patients to behavioral/psychiatric health resources, or establishing contact with support groups. In addition, the CLCI model further combats the belief that AA is a cosmetic, rather than medical, concern. This tool demonstrates the multifactorial dimensions of the disease and highlights the importance of improved treatment options and standardized insurance coverage. It also further characterizes the global burden of disease for improved prioritization of health care resources.

Further, longitudinal research is required to better establish how to define and measure the cumulative life course impact. CLCI instruments and surveys are being developed, with hopes of standardization across institutions and cultures.[24],[68] Regardless of how it is defined, the overarching goal of the CLCI and other epidemiologic studies is the same: to identify the patients at risk and promote early assistance from health-care providers, payment agencies, and social support groups to minimize long-term impact.

Financial support and sponsorship

This project was in part funded by a National Alopecia Areata Foundation medical student research award.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.



 
   References Top

1.
Safavi K. Prevalence of alopecia areata in theFirst National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch Dermatol 1992;128:702.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Mirzoyev SA, Schrum AG, Davis MD, Torgerson RR. Lifetime incidence risk of alopecia areata estimated at 2.1% by Rochester Epidemiology Project, 1990-2009. J Invest Dermatol 2014;134:1141-2.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Safavi KH, Muller SA, Suman VJ, Moshell AN, Melton LJ 3rd. Incidence of alopecia areata in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1975 through 1989. Mayo Clin Proc 1995;70:628-33.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Kyriakis KP, Paltatzidou K, Kosma E, Sofouri E, Tadros A, Rachioti E. Alopecia areata prevalence by gender and age. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2009;23:572-3.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Lyakhovitsky A, Aronovich A, Gilboa S, Baum S, Barzilai A. Alopecia areata: A long-term follow-up study of 104 patients. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019;33:1602-9.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.
Strazzulla LC, Wang EH, Avila L, Lo Sicco K, Brinster N, Christiano AM, et al. Alopecia areata: Disease characteristics, clinical evaluation, and new perspectives on pathogenesis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2018;78:1-2.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.
Islam N, Leung PS, Huntley AC, Gershwin ME. The autoimmune basis of alopecia areata: A comprehensive review. Autoimmun Rev 2015;14:81-9.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.
Gilhar A, Schrum AG, Etzioni A, Waldmann H, Paus R. Alopecia areata: Animal models illuminate autoimmune pathogenesis and novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Autoimmun Rev 2016;15:726-35.  Back to cited text no. 8
    
9.
de Oliveira AB, Alpalhão M, Filipe P, Maia-Silva J. The role of Janus kinase inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata: A systematic review. Dermatol Ther 2019;32:e13053.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.
Liu LY, King BA, Craiglow BG. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with alopecia areata (AA): A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol 2016;75:806-12.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.
Rencz F, Gulácsi L, Péntek M, Wikonkál N, Baji P, Brodszky V. Alopecia areata and health-related quality of life: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol 2016;175:561-71.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.
Liu LY, King BA, Craiglow BG. Alopecia areata is associated with impaired health-related quality of life: A survey of affected adults and children and their families. J Am Acad Dermatol 2018;79:556-80.  Back to cited text no. 12
    
13.
Okhovat JP, Grogan T, Duan L, Goh C. Willingness to pay and quality of life in alopecia areata. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017;77:1183-4.  Back to cited text no. 13
    
14.
Korta DZ, Christiano AM, Bergfeld W, Duvic M, Ellison A, Fu J, et al. Alopecia areata is a medical disease. J Am Acad Dermatol 2018;78:832-4.  Back to cited text no. 14
    
15.
Karimkhani C, Boyers LN, Margolis DJ, Naghavi M, Hay RJ, Williams HC, et al. Comparing cutaneous research funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases with 2010 Global Burden of Disease results. PLoS One 2014;9:e102122.  Back to cited text no. 15
    
16.
Hagstrom EL, Patel S, Karimkhani C, Boyers LN, Williams HC, Hay RJ, et al. Comparing cutaneous research funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the US skin disease burden. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015;73:383-910.  Back to cited text no. 16
    
17.
Karimkhani C, Boyers LN, Prescott L, Welch V, Delamere FM, Nasser M, et al. Global burden of skin disease as reflected in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. JAMA Dermatol 2014;150:945-51.  Back to cited text no. 17
    
18.
Kimball AB, Gieler U, Linder D, Sampogna F, Warren RB, Augustin M. Psoriasis: Is the impairment to a patient's life cumulative? J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2010;24:989-1004.  Back to cited text no. 18
    
19.
Fine JD. Cumulative life course impairment by epidermolysis bullosa. Curr Probl Dermatol 2013;44:91-101.  Back to cited text no. 19
    
20.
Augustin M. Cumulative life course impairment in chronic wounds. Curr Probl Dermatol 2013;44:125-9.  Back to cited text no. 20
    
21.
Piaserico S. Cumulative life course impairment in melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Curr Probl Dermatol 2013;44:118-24.  Back to cited text no. 21
    
22.
Krüger C, Schallreuter KU. Cumulative life course impairment in vitiligo. Curr Probl Dermatol 2013;44:102-17.  Back to cited text no. 22
    
23.
Ibler KS, Jemec GB. Cumulative life course impairment in other chronic or recurrent dermatologic diseases. Curr Probl Dermatol 2013;44:130-6.  Back to cited text no. 23
    
24.
Evaluation of patient experience of atopic dermatitis with a view of assessing whether life course impairment is cumulative. J Am Acad Dermatol 2013;68 4 Suppl 1:AB76.  Back to cited text no. 24
    
25.
Linder D. Cumulative life course impairment: Paving the way to an extended life course approach in dermatology. Br J Dermatol 2011;164 Suppl 1:v-vi.  Back to cited text no. 25
    
26.
Mendoza TR, Osei JS, Shi Q, Duvic M. Development of the alopecia areata symptom impact scale. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 2013;16:S51-2.  Back to cited text no. 26
    
27.
Lee S, Lee H, Lee CH, Lee WS. Comorbidities in alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2019;80:466-77.e16.  Back to cited text no. 27
    
28.
Chelidze K, Lipner SR. Nail changes in alopecia areata: Case report and review of the literature. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017;76 6 Suppl 1:AB175.  Back to cited text no. 28
    
29.
Tosti A, Morelli R, Bardazzi F, Peluso AM. Prevalence of nail abnormalities in children with alopecia areata. Pediatr Dermatol 1994;11:112-5.  Back to cited text no. 29
    
30.
Miller R, Conic RZ, Bergfeld W, Mesinkovska NA. Prevalence of comorbid conditions and sun-induced skin cancers in patients with alopecia areata. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 2015;17:61-2.  Back to cited text no. 30
    
31.
Lee S, Lee YB, Kim BJ, Lee WS. Screening of thyroid function and autoantibodies in patients with alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2019;80:1410-3.e4.  Back to cited text no. 31
    
32.
Lim CP, Severin RK, Petukhova L. Big data reveal insights into alopecia areata comorbidities. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 2018;19:S57-61.  Back to cited text no. 32
    
33.
Conic RZ, Miller R, Piliang M, Bergfeld W, Atanaskova Mesinkovska N. Comorbidities in patients with alopecia areata. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017;76:755-7.  Back to cited text no. 33
    
34.
Mohan GC, Silverberg JI. Association of vitiligo and alopecia areata with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatol 2015;151:522-8.  Back to cited text no. 34
    
35.
Tsai TY, Huang YC. Vitamin D deficiency in patients with alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2018;78:207-9.  Back to cited text no. 35
    
36.
Seo HM, Kim TL, Kim JS. The risk of alopecia areata and other related autoimmune diseases in patients with sleep disorders: A Korean population-based retrospective cohort study. Sleep (New York, N.Y.), 41(9), Sleep (New York, N.Y.) 2018;41.  Back to cited text no. 36
    
37.
Cash TF. The psychology of hair loss and its implications for patient care. Clin Dermatol 2001;19:161-6.  Back to cited text no. 37
    
38.
Davey L, Clarke V, Jenkinson E. Living with alopecia areata: An online qualitative survey study. Br J Dermatol 2019;180:1377-89.  Back to cited text no. 38
    
39.
Rodgers AR. Why finding a treatment for alopecia areata is important: A multifaceted perspective. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 2018;19:S51-3.  Back to cited text no. 39
    
40.
Kacar SD, Soyucok E, Bagcioglu E, Ozuguz P, Coskun KS, Asık AH, et al. The perceived stigma in patients with alopecia and mental disorder: A comparative study. Int J Trichology 2016;8:135-40.  Back to cited text no. 40
    
41.
Azzawi S, Penzi LR, Senna MM. Immune privilege collapse and alopecia development: Is stress a factor. Skin Appendage Disord 2018;4:236-44.  Back to cited text no. 41
    
42.
Firooz A, Firoozabadi MR, Ghazisaidi B, Dowlati Y. Concepts of patients with alopecia areata about their disease. BMC Dermatol 2005;5:1.  Back to cited text no. 42
    
43.
Manolache L, Petrescu-Seceleanu D, Benea V. Alopecia areata and relationship with stressful events in children. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2009;23:107-9.  Back to cited text no. 43
    
44.
Manolache L, Benea V. Stress in patients with alopecia areata and vitiligo. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2007;21:921-8.  Back to cited text no. 44
    
45.
Aghaei S, Saki N, Daneshmand E, Kardeh B. Prevalence of psychological disorders in patients with alopecia areata in comparison with normal subjects. ISRN Dermatol 2014;2014:304370-4.  Back to cited text no. 45
    
46.
Li SJ, Huang KP, Joyce C, Mostaghimi A. The impact of alopecia areata on sexual quality of life. Int J Trichology 2018;10:271-4.  Back to cited text no. 46
    
47.
Christensen T, Yang JS, Castelo-Soccio L. Bullying and quality of life in pediatric alopecia areata. Skin Appendage Disord 2017;3:115-8.  Back to cited text no. 47
    
48.
Díaz-Atienza F, Gurpegui M. Environmental stress but not subjective distress in children or adolescents with alopecia areata. J Psychosom Res 2011;71:102-7.  Back to cited text no. 48
    
49.
Montgomery K, White C, Thompson A. A mixed methods survey of social anxiety, anxiety, depression and wig use in alopecia. BMJ Open 2017;7:e015468.  Back to cited text no. 49
    
50.
Matzer F, Egger JW, Kopera D. Psychosocial stress and coping in alopecia areata: A questionnaire survey and qualitative study among 45 patients. Acta Derm Venereol 2011;91:318-27.  Back to cited text no. 50
    
51.
Inui S, Inoue T, Itami S. Psychosocial impact of wigs or hairpieces on perceived quality of life level in female patients with alopecia areata. J Dermatol 2013;40:225-6.  Back to cited text no. 51
    
52.
Hussain S, Mostaghimi A, Barr P, Brown J, Joyce C, Huang K. Utilization of mental health resources and complementary and alternative therapies for alopecia areata: A U.S. survey.(Original Article) (Report). Int J Trichol 2017;9:160.  Back to cited text no. 52
    
53.
Willemse H, van der Doef M, van Middendorp H. Applying the Common Sense Model to predicting quality of life in alopecia areata: The role of illness perceptions and coping strategies. J Health Psychol 2019;24:1461-72.  Back to cited text no. 53
    
54.
Singam V, Patel KR, Lee HH, Rastogi S, Silverberg JI. Association of alopecia areata with hospitalization for mental health disorders in US adults. J Am Acad Dermatol 2019;80:792-4.  Back to cited text no. 54
    
55.
Chu SY, Chen YJ, Tseng WC, Lin MW, Chen TJ, Hwang CY, et al. Psychiatric comorbidities in patients with alopecia areata in Taiwan: A case-control study. Br J Dermatol 2012;166:525-31.  Back to cited text no. 55
    
56.
Dehghani F, Dehghani F, Kafaie P, Taghizadeh MR. Alexithymia in different dermatologic patients. Asian J Psychiatr 2017;25:42-5.  Back to cited text no. 56
    
57.
Sellami R, Masmoudi J, Ouali U, Mnif L, Amouri M, Turki H, et al. The relationship between alopecia areata and alexithymia, anxiety and depression: A case-control study. Indian J Dermatol 2014;59:421.  Back to cited text no. 57
[PUBMED]  [Full text]  
58.
Lee S, Lee YB, Kim BJ, Bae S, Lee WS. All-cause and cause-specific mortality risks associated with alopecia areata: A Korean Nationwide Population-Based Study. JAMA Dermatol 2019;155:922-8.  Back to cited text no. 58
    
59.
Hwang S, Shin J, Kim TG, Kim DY, Ho Oh S. Large-scale retrospective cohort study of psychological stress in patients with alopecia areata according to the frequency of intralesional steroid injection. Acta Derm Venereol 2019;99:236-7.  Back to cited text no. 59
    
60.
Karia SB, de Sousa A, Shah N, Sonavane S, Bharati A. Psychiatric morbidity and quality of life in skin diseases: A comparison of alopecia areata and psoriasis. Ind Psychiatry J 2015;24:125-8.  Back to cited text no. 60
[PUBMED]  [Full text]  
61.
Bilgiç Ö, Bilgiç A, Bahalı K, Bahali AG, Gürkan A, Yılmaz S. Psychiatric symptomatology and health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with alopecia areata. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2014;28:1463-8.  Back to cited text no. 61
    
62.
Baghestani S, Zare S, Seddigh SH. Severity of depression and anxiety in patients with alopecia areata in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Dermatol Reports 2015;7:6063.  Back to cited text no. 62
    
63.
Beckett ME. The need for a treatment: A patient's perspective. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 2015;17:42-3.  Back to cited text no. 63
    
64.
Rafique R, Hunt N. Experiences and coping behaviours of adolescents in Pakistan with alopecia areata: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2015;10:26039.  Back to cited text no. 64
    
65.
Gallo R, Chiorri C, Gasparini G, Signori A, Burroni A, Parodi A. Can mindfulness-based interventions improve the quality of life of patients with moderate/severe alopecia areata? A prospective pilot study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017;76:757-9.  Back to cited text no. 65
    
66.
Aschenbeck KA, McFarland SL, Hordinsky MK, Lindgren BR, Farah RS. Importance of group therapeutic support for family members of children with alopecia areata: A cross-sectional survey study. Pediatr Dermatol 2017;34:427-32.  Back to cited text no. 66
    
67.
Kalabokes VD. Alopecia areata: Support groups and meetings-how can it help your patient? (Report). Dermatol Ther 2011;24:302.  Back to cited text no. 67
    
68.
Evaluation of factors associated with cumulative life course impairment using a novel patient reported outcome for patients with psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2013;68 4 Suppl 1:AB200.  Back to cited text no. 68
    



 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4]


This article has been cited by
1 Overall and Racial and Ethnic Subgroup Prevalences of Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, and Alopecia Universalis
Nene Sy, Nicole Mastacouris, Andrew Strunk, Amit Garg
JAMA Dermatology. 2023;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
2 The burden of alopecia areata: A scoping review focusing on quality of life, mental health and work productivity
Anastasiya Muntyanu, Sofianne Gabrielli, Jeffrey Donovan, Melinda Gooderham, Lyn Guenther, Sameh Hanna, Charles Lynde, Vimal H. Prajapati, Marni Wiseman, Elena Netchiporouk
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2023;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
3 Out-of-Pocket Costs in Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Study in German-speaking Countries
Johaina Kullab, Maximilian C. Schielein, Caroline F.Z. Stuhlmann, Linda Tizek, Hannah Wecker, Alphina Kain, Tilo Biedermann, Alexander Zink
Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2023; 103: adv00838
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
4 Alopecia Areata in Latin America: Where are We and Where are We Going?
Margarita M. Velásquez-Lopera, Natalia Hernández, Angela Marie Jansen, Angela Londoño García, Paula Carolina Luna, Mariana Rico-Restrepo, María del Mar Saez-de-Ocariz, María Margarita Tamayo-Buendía, Maria Cecilia Rivitti-Machado
Dermatology and Therapy. 2022;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
5 Free the Bun: Prevalence of Alopecia Among Active Duty Service Women, Fiscal Years 2010-2019
Jessica Korona-Bailey, Amanda Banaag, Dana R Nguyen, Helena Pasieka, Tracey Pérez Koehlmoos
Military Medicine. 2021;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
6 Alopecia universalis: a patient’s perspective of the cumulative life course impairment
L. J. Burns, K. E. Flanagan, J. T. Pathoulas, A. Ellison, N. Mesinkovska, M. M. Senna
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2021; 46(7): 1353
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
7 Patient perspectives of the cumulative life course impairment of alopecia areata
L. J. Burns, K. E. Flanagan, J. T. Pathoulas, A. Ellison, N. Mesinkovska, M. M. Senna
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2021; 46(5): 935
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
8 Alopecia Areata Treatment Patterns, Healthcare Resource Utilization, and Comorbidities in the US Population Using Insurance Claims
Maryanne Senna, Justin Ko, Antonella Tosti, Emily Edson-Heredia, D. Christian Fenske, Amy K. Ellinwood, Maria Jose Rueda, Baojin Zhu, Brett King
Advances in Therapy. 2021; 38(9): 4646
[Pubmed] | [DOI]



 

Top
 
 
  Search
 
    Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
 Related articles
    Access Statistics
    Email Alert *
    Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)  

 
  In this article
    Abstract
   Introduction
    Cumulative Life ...
   Methods
    Physical Co-Morb...
   Stigma
    Psychological Co...
    Social and Econo...
   Coping
   Discussion
    References
    Article Tables

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed8179    
    Printed192    
    Emailed0    
    PDF Downloaded91    
    Comments [Add]    
    Cited by others 8    

Recommend this journal