Health-Related Quality of Life of Adult and Adolescent Patients Living with Alopecia Areata in Australia

May 2024 in “ Australasian Journal of Dermatology ”

Rodney Sinclair, Samantha Eisman, Carol M. Y. Lee, Maureen Hitschfeld, David Witcombe, Candida da Fonseca Pereira

alopecia areata hair loss emotional symptoms activity limitations anxiety depression patient-centered care

TLDR Alopecia areata significantly affects emotional well-being and daily activities, suggesting a need for patient-centered care.

This study, the largest of its kind in Australia, assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impacts of alopecia areata (AA) among 337 participants, including 49 adolescents and 288 adults. It found that more extensive hair loss is linked to a greater disease burden, significantly affecting life quality, with adults experiencing higher emotional and functional impacts. High levels of anxiety and depression were prevalent, with 70% of adults and 73% of adolescents exceeding normal anxiety levels, and 43% of adults and 29% of adolescents exceeding normal depression levels. The study highlights the psychological burden of AA and suggests a need for psychiatric medications and counselling. AA also impaired work and school productivity, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management strategies tailored to disease severity and patient age.

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