Peer-Recommended Coping Strategies for Individuals Living With Alopecia Areata

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Abstract

Abstract: Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic immunological disease characterized by hair loss on the scalp and/or body. Medical treatments are frequently ineffective, leaving many individuals with little hope for hair regrowth. Despite high rates of psychological turmoil experienced by people living with AA, little consideration is given to the unique impact of the condition and the potential benefits of coping approaches. Aims: The purpose of this study was to establish a foundation of strategies for coping with AA as recommended by people currently living with the diagnosis. Method: An international sample of 190 participants shared perspectives on types of strategies they believe would be useful for living with AA. A qualitative content analysis approach was used to code and group participant responses. Results: Frequently identified strategies included various forms of social support and strategies for social navigation, perspective-shifting, cosmetic strategies and procedures, and accessing medical and psychological interventions. Limitations: Participants were limited to a largely female convenience sample. The findings were not associated with real-life outcomes, only anecdotal recommendations. Conclusion: The findings of the present study further support prior research yet offer unique perspectives as well.

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Epidemiology and burden of alopecia areata: a systematic review

Alexandra Villasante Fricke, Mariya Miteva (2015)

Background Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by patches of non-scarring alopecia affecting scalp and body hair that can be psychologically devastating. AA is clinically heterogenous, and its natural history is unpredictable. There is no preventative therapy or cure. Objective The objective of this study is to provide an evidence-based systematic review on the epidemiology and the burden of AA. Methods and selection criteria A search was conducted of the published, peer-reviewed literature via PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies published in English within the last 51 years that measured AA’s incidence, prevalence, distribution, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), quality of life, and associated psychiatric and medical comorbidities were included. Two authors assessed studies and extracted the data. Results The lifetime incidence of AA is approximately 2% worldwide. Both formal population studies found no sex predominance. First onset is most common in the third and fourth decades of life but may occur at any age. An earlier age of first onset corresponds with an increased lifetime risk of extensive disease. Global DALYs for AA were calculated at 1,332,800 in 2010. AA patients are at risk for depression and anxiety, atopy, vitiligo, thyroid disease, and other autoimmune conditions. Conclusion AA is the most prevalent autoimmune disorder and the second most prevalent hair loss disorder after androgenetic alopecia, and the lifetime risk in the global population is approximately 2%. AA is associated with psychiatric and medical comorbidities including depression, anxiety, and several autoimmune disorders, and an increased global burden of disease.