Importance of Alexithymia on Anxiety and Depression in Alopecia Areata: A Cohort Study

This cohort study involving 100 patients with alopecia areata (AA) found that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and alexithymia were 16%, 22%, and 32%, respectively. Alexithymia, characterized by difficulties in identifying and describing feelings, was significantly associated with anxiety and depression, particularly among those with earlier AA onset, younger age, and lower educational levels. The study highlights the psychological burden of AA, with 77% of patients reporting previous mental affective illness. These findings underscore the importance of addressing alexithymia in the treatment of AA to improve patient outcomes.