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Anxiety and Hair Loss – Are They Related?

When we experience hair loss, we tend to think of anxiety as more of a consequence than the cause of the ordeal. Losing your hair does, indeed, often trigger stress and insecurity. However, the association between our mind and body works the other way, too. Hair loss can occur due to stress and anxiety. This article explains how severe anxiety and associated stress can contribute to hair loss. In it, you will read about four types of alopecia that are commonly associated with anxiety. Moreover, we give you three tested ways to deal with anxiety so that you can start restoring your hair — and your wellbeing, too.

The Mechanism Behind the Anxiety-Hair Loss Relationship

Anxiety is a pervasive companion of hair loss. Those who are losing their hair often say that they fear being ridiculed. Some even develop social anxiety and withdraw from social life altogether.

Studies revealed that anxiety levels also account for whether and to what extent will hair loss affect the quality of someone’s life. Predictably so, when hair loss occurs, the higher the anxiety, the lower the overall satisfaction with life.

 

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Finally, anxiety can also trigger or worsen hair loss. The exact mechanisms of hair loss due to stress and anxiety are still underresearched. Some authors argue that it is the medication for anxiety that is to blame. Others suggest that hormonal changes of prolonged anxiety and stress affect the hair growth cycle.

Yet, one thing is known for sure. Stress and physiological reactions associated with anxiety can and often do induce several types of hair loss.

Four Types of Hair Loss Associated with Anxiety

The relationship between alopecia and anxiety is fairly complex. This is why the four following conditions are associated with the disorder in different ways. Our physiology triggers some. Others are more psychological.

Telogen effluvium

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Typically, the majority of hair follicles is in the growth phase. However, significant stress and anxiety can push a large number of follicles into a resting phase. In other words, the majority of your hair stops growing. As a result, much of your hair fall out over a few weeks or months with simple combing or washing.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder that falls under the category of obsessive-compulsive disorders. It is an irresistible urge to pull out hair. People affected by trichotillomania most often pull hair out when they are anxious, tense, or in any way dissatisfied.

Alopecia areata

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One of the possible causes of alopecia areata is severe anxiety and stress. Scientists believe that these psychological states could trigger the body’s immune system to attack the hair follicles. Consequently, your hair falls out.

Androgenetic alopecia

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Androgenetic alopecia – male and female pattern – hair loss) may not be directly caused by anxiety. Nonetheless, it is sped up by the disorder. Hair loss has a way of putting the affected person into a vicious circle. It triggers anxiety, which, in turn, causes more hair to fall out. Predictably, the more severe the hair loss, the graver the anxiety and vice versa.

Dealing with Anxiety to Tackle Hair Loss

Set out to tackle anxiety, and recovery from the associated hair loss will follow. Here are three ways in which professionals address the disorder, its roots and consequences.

● Psychotherapy

The best way to address anxiety is to reach out to a professional. A psychotherapist will employ tested techniques to help you heal from anxiety. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is among the most efficient modalities in treating the disorder.

● Relaxation techniques

Anxiety is a disorder in which bodily reactions tend to interact with how the mind works. Together, they produce a speed train of tension and apprehension. Relaxation techniques are widely used to teach the anxious person to regain balance once the wave of anxiety comes.

●  Cognitive reframing

One of the primary triggers of anxiety is cognitive distortions, that is, our erroneous beliefs. One way to address them is to lead an automatic thoughts journal. It will help you notice and alter thinking patterns that are making you feel anxious.

The Good News

Even though dealing with anxiety is, on its own, a challenge, there is a silver lining. When you manage to lower the anxiety levels in your life, your hair is likely to start growing back. It may be a long process that takes months. But, for certain types of hair loss, you will get your looks back.

And, there is more good news. In some cases, your hair loss may not be temporary. Nonetheless, thanks to modern science and medicine, you can still look as you used to. Schedule a consultation with Dr Bonaros today. We will help you determine the ideal treatment for your particular situation. Our team of professionals will assist you on your path towards restoring your confidence and happiness.