Alopecia areata and increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders.

Background: The relationship between psychiatric disorders and alopecia areata has not been well studied. Although previous reports have been unable to correlate psychiatric illness with hair loss, a recent study determined that 74% of patients with alopecia areata (AA) under evaluation had one or more lifetime psychiatric diagnoses.

Methods: Two hundred and ninety-four community-based patients with alopecia areata responded to a detailed questionnaire distributed by Help Alopecia International Research, Inc.

Increased risk for type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes in relatives of patients with alopecia areata (AA).

The prevalence of various chronic diseases was compared in 517 individuals with alopecia areata, and 2,969 of their first degree relatives. As previous reports have suggested an increased incidence of diabetes in relatives of patients with alopecia areata, special attention was given to the prevalence of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in the patients and in their relatives. Several immunologic diseases were increased in alopecia probands and relatives.

Profile of alopecia areata: a questionnaire analysis of patient and family.

Eight hundred patients with alopecia areata (AA) responded to a detailed questionnaire that was compiled, distributed, and analyzed by Help Alopecia International Research, Inc. (HAIR). Among those responding, 28% were men and 72% were women.