The tendency towards the development of psychosexual disorders in androgenetic alopecia according to the different stages of hair loss: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia is a common dermatological condition affecting both genders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the tendency towards development of psychosexual disorders according to the clinical stages of androgenetic alopecia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 353 patients of both sexes on different clinical stages of hair loss, and the patients were enquired about self-perception, self-esteem, sexual experiences, anxiety and depression states. Hair loss was classified by standardized hair loss scales, and psychological effects were assessed with questionnaires. Results were compared to p<0.05.

RESULTS: Negative effects on each psychological parameter of androgenetic alopecia in females were higher than in males. While overall comparisons according to hair loss stages for each parameter were significant in males, only sexual experiences, anxiety and depression values were significant in females. Sexual experiences and depression values were higher in Ludwig 3 than in 1&2, while anxiety was higher in Ludwig 3 than 1. Self-perception values in Norwood 2&2A were higher than 3A, 3V, 4 and 4A, while self-esteem values in 2A were higher than 3&4. Sexual experiences values in 2&2A were lower than 3, 3A, 3V, 4 and 4A, while 3&3A were lower than 4&4A. Depression was lower in 2A than 3, 3A, and 3V, and lower in 2A than 4A. Anxiety was lower in 2A than in 4&4A.

STUDY LIMITATIONS: Relatively small number of patients, who were from a single center.

CONCLUSIONS: In the management of androgenetic alopecia, it should be considered that patients may need psychological support according to the clinical stages, because of increased tendency to develop psychosexual disorders.