Reported experiences of persons with alopecia areata

Alopecia is a chronic disease of hair loss. The study focuses on psychological issues relating to the experience of alopecia. Previous research has considered psychological problems as secondary to the medical disorder. The first part consisted of spontaneous written accounts (N = 162) of the experience of alopecia. The second part was an interactive email interview (N = 34). Findings focused on negative personal, social, and medical effects. Successful coping was discussed by very few respondents, but included behavioral changes and acceptance of appearance and identity changes. Suggestions are made for future research. Treatment for alopecia needs to be broadened to include psychological methods.