Psychological impact of hair loss

This chapter describes the psychopathology that is frequently encountered in patients presenting with hair loss. It begins with an introduction to hair biology. There is a discussion of the conditions alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, and scarring alopecia, along with their psychiatric impact. Excessive hair loss is addressed. The chapter then examines psychiatric conditions that can present with hair loss, including body dysmorphic disorder, delusional infestation, and trichotillomania. The authors provide management suggestions and resources for further study.