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.

A study involving 337 patients with alopecia areata (49 adolescents and 288 adults) in Australia revealed significant impacts on their physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being. Extensive hair loss was associated with higher emotional symptoms and activity limitations. Anxiety and depression scores were high among participants, regardless of hair loss extent. Work and classroom productivity were notably impaired, with 70.5% of adults and 57.1% of adolescents experiencing activity impairment. The study suggests that patient-centered care approaches could help address the mental and emotional challenges, daily activities, and work productivity issues faced by those with alopecia areata.

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