Can Depression Cause Hair Loss? Unraveling the Connection Between Mental Health and Hair Loss
We all know the saying, “Good hair, Good Vibes.” But there is a hidden link between your mental well-being and beautiful hair.
Depression is the prevailing mental health problem worldwide that affects millions of people.
While its impact on emotional well-being is known, some studies suggest a possible connection between Depression and hair loss.
According to a survey conducted in 2014 by the National Library of Medicine, 29% of women with hair loss reported symptoms of Depression.
In this article, we will find how Depression affects hair loss, the connection between the two, and how to tackle this problem.
Find out whether depression can cause hair loss, and don’t let your hair suffer silently.
Is Depression a cause of hair loss
The answer is Yes.
The physiological traits of Depression, such as low mood, less self-esteem, and discouragement, can impact your hair loss.
Many factors are associated with Depression and hair loss.
A few of them are listed below:
Stress
The common factor of hair loss associated with Depression is stress.
Stress, a common symptom of Depression, can trigger Telogen Effluvium.
Our hair growth cycle works in three phases:
- Anagen: A growth phase
- Catagen: A transitional phase
- Telogen: A resting phase
Telogen Effluvium happens when there is an interruption in the hair growth cycle, which causes more hairs to enter the resting (Telogen) phase and eventually fall out.
Hormonal Imbalance
Depression can cause hormonal imbalances in the body.
This hormonal imbalance can impact hair follicle health and growth, resulting in hair thinning and loss.
The National Library of Medicine did a study on detecting steroids, specifically cortisol, in human hair.
Cortisol is a hormone that affects stress, anxiety, and Depression.
Traditionally, cortisol was believed to be produced only by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis.
Research suggests that cortisol can also be produced by skin cells, mainly hair follicles.
The study concluded that Cortisol, a hormone generated in response to stress, can affect hair follicle function.
Trichotillomania
A psychological condition called Trichotillomania is a compulsive impulse to pull out one’s hair.
It commonly relates to stress, worry, or depression.
Due to their compulsive hair-pulling behavior, people with Trichotillomania may have severe hair loss.
The Connection: Depression and hair loss
A study investigated the prevalence of hair loss complaints and their link with symptoms of Depression among female dermatology patients.
157 women were interviewed, with 54% reporting hair loss and 29% exhibiting two or more Depression symptoms.
Significant differences are observed, and the findings suggest a link between hair loss perception and psychological well-being in female dermatology patients.
In an article published by Jama Dermatology, it has been reported that patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) have a 90% increased risk of developing Alopecia Areata (AA).
While those with AA have a 34% risk of developing MDD.
In simpler terms, it’s a condition where the body’s defense system causes damage to the hair roots, resulting in hair falling out.
Antidepressants and hair loss
According to research, some antidepressants may make hair loss more likely.
Researchers analyzed a massive database from 2006 to 2014.
They observed new users of antidepressants until they were diagnosed with hair loss.
Antidepressants such as Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine, and Bupropion were used.
Fluvoxamine generated the most risk, whereas Fluoxetine and Paroxetine had the least.
When compared to Fluoxetine, Bupropion presented the most significant risk.
Another study published by The National Library of Medicine highlighted the hair loss caused by the intake of Sertraline.
A twenty-one-year-old male with Depression took Sertraline, an antidepressant. After 15 days, he experienced hair loss.
Researchers also found out that hair loss disappeared when Sertraline was discontinued.
Managing Depression and hair loss
By acknowledging Depression through the proper treatment and adopting healthy coping strategies, you may minimize the effect on hair loss.
Counseling in Depression
Counseling plays a significant role in many ways.
It provides emotional support, enhances self-esteem, works as a coping mechanism, and provides tools and techniques to handle anxiety and stress associated with hair loss.
Address the root cause of Depression
The first step toward treating hair loss associated with Depression is to understand how it is caused.
Work closely with your doctor to prescribe a personalized treatment plan, including therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Figure out healthy coping techniques such as stress management and relaxation exercises.
Support Network and self-care
Express your feelings to whom you trust and reach out to loved ones like friends and family members who can provide emotional strength and support.
Join support groups that connect you with someone going through the same experiences.
It can be helpful in reaching out to such persons, sharing and receiving advice, and finding a similar community.
Take care of yourself and focus on a healthy balanced diet.
Prioritize yourself, engage in activities that bring you joy, spend more time with nature, and get proper sleep.
Hair care and maintenance
Avoid using products and harsh treatments that cause breakage or dullness to your hair.
Do not make tight ponytails or hairstyles which can pull on the hair, as it leads to Traction Alopecia, which causes hair loss due to force on hair follicles.
Be gentle and limit the use of heated tools that may damage the hair shafts.
Seek Professional Help
Talk with a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your hair or overall health.
Take therapy and counseling for mental stress.
Consult with Dermatologist or hair specialist for hair loss concerns. They provide you with guidance and treatment by evaluating your specific situation.
Conclusion
Depression can disturb the normal hair growth cycle.
Several hair loss conditions may occur due to stress, such as Telogen Effluvium and Trichotillomania.
A few antidepressants may also lead to hair loss. Not every antidepressant causes hair loss depending on the individual.
Taking care of yourself and sharing your inner feelings with trusted friends and family members may improve your treatment.
Gentle hair care practices and avoiding tight hairstyles may prevent further damage.
Understanding the root cause is vital in handling hair loss effectively.
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