BH29 Psychological distress in alopecia areata: are we doing enough?

June 2026 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Shahd Elamin, Fatima Sajid, Nicola Cooke

A retrospective audit of 25 patients with alopecia areata (AA) at a secondary care dermatology clinic revealed significant psychological distress and impaired quality of life, with 66% experiencing severe disease and 76% having comorbidities. Despite BAD guidelines recommending routine psychological assessment and support, only 16% underwent formal mental health screening, and referrals to psychological services were rare. The study highlights a gap between guidelines and practice, suggesting that the true psychological burden is underestimated due to time and structural constraints in NHS clinics. The authors propose an integrated care model with routine psychological screening, dedicated nursing support, and tailored resources to improve care for AA patients.

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