Hair loss is a problem that affects both men and women globally. Losing hair can have devastating psychological effect on many people.In medical terms, hair loss can cause antisocial personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depression, adjustment disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and social phobia. Sometimes, it can even lead to suicidal ideation. That’s why I wanted to reach out with this helpful and informative subject that deserves more attention.
What are the psychological effects of hair loss?
Research into the psychological problems associated with hair loss is limited however we do know that hair loss is psychologically damaging, causing intense emotional suffering, and often leading to personal, social, and work-related problems. If you suffer severe hair loss, you are more likely to experience psychological distress than those with mild hair loss. Hair loss changes a person’s looks, particularly when the eyelashes and eyebrows are affected as they define a person’s face. Furthermore, hair loss may be seen as a failure to conform to the society’s norms of physical appearance.
The relationship between hair loss and psychosocial consequences may be complicated by hair loss that eventuates from a stressful experience or life event which leads to further distress, anxiety, and depression. Women who experience high levels of stress are 11 times more likely to experience hair loss than those who do not report high-stress levels.
Compared with the general population, people experiencing hair loss have an increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders, including major depression, anxiety, social phobia or a paranoid disorder.
Australian Hair & Scalp Clinics
As part of our natural and holistic approach to hair loss treatment, we always recommend our clients to pay attention to their lifestyle and manage stress levels. We understand that psychological problems can be a contributing factor to hair loss and therefore people should either learn to manage daily stressors themselves or seek professional advice from a qualified practitioner.