Abstract
Objective:
Although alopecia areata (AA) is considered to be an organ-specific autoimmune disease in which T lymphocytes attack hair follicles, the exact etiology is unknown. Family history is 10-42 % positive and leukocyte surface antigen markers such as HLA-DR4, DR-5, and DQ3 are generally associated with AA. We aimed to examine the psychiatric comorbidity, risk factors, and the treatment response in six AA cases.
Method:
The presenting symptoms, comorbidity, environmental factors, and response to treatment of six cases applied to our outpatient clinic with hair loss and diagnosed as AA were examined.
Results:
Three girls and three boys who were 7-15 years old had hair loss as chief complaint. Medication is offered as 10-20 mg fluoxetine to 3 patients and 10-20 mg imipramine to 2 patients. There was a history of AA in 2 patients. After at least 2-months follow-up, 3 patients significantly improved, whereas 3 other remained alopecic. All responsive patients were girls and all had a comorbid anxiety disorder.
Discussion:
The effects of preceding environmental factors, psychiatric comorbidities and family atmosphere in the development of AA are documented by earlier studies. Treatment is usually palliative. It is noteworthy that all of the three responsive patients had anxiety disorders, such as OCD, social anxiety disorder and separation anxiety disorder. Because of the relatively common presence of psychiatric comorbidity, psychopharmacotherapy might be added to the treatment of AA.
Keywords: Alopecia areata, child, adolescent, psychiatry
