The Invisible Impact of a Visible Disease: Psychosocial Impact of Alopecia Areata.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The physical impact of alopecia areata (AA) is visible, but the psychological and social consequences and emotional burden are often underrecognized.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 547 participants recruited via the National Alopecia Areata Foundation completed a survey encompassing demographics; AA illness characteristics; and five patient-reported outcome measures on anxiety and depression, perceived stress, psychological illness impact, stigma, and quality of life (QoL). Differences in disease severity subgroups were assessed via analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t tests.

Results

Mean age was 44.6 years, and 76.6% were female. Participants with more severe hair loss tended to report longer duration of experiencing AA symptoms (P < 0.001). Overal

SUBMITTER: Mesinkovska N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10307747 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature