Depression among Alopecia Areata Patients: Prevalence and associated factors in a Tunisian sample

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Published Oct 8, 2024
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v102i10.5119
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Vol. 102 No. 10 (2024): Tunis Med oct 2024

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Nour Faouel
Departement of Psychiatry, Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba Monastir, University of Monastir, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
Nadia Ghariani
Department of dermatology , Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse. Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
Amjed Ben Haouala
Departement of Psychiatry, Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba Monastir, University of Monastir, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
Soukaina Maghfour
Department of dermatology , Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse. Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
Maha Lahoual
Department of dermatology , Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse. Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
Sana Mokni
Department of dermatology , Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse. Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
Ahmed Mhalla
Departement of Psychiatry, Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba Monastir, University of Monastir, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
Mohamed Denguezli
Department of dermatology , Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse. Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction : Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, chronic inflammatory, non-scarring form of hair loss affecting 0.1-0.2% of the population. It is a psychosomatic disease involving a T-cell-mediated immune reaction against hair follicle antigens during the anagen phase. Psychiatric morbidity in dermatological patients can significantly affect their quality of life and disease progression. Identifying and addressing these comorbidities in AA patients is crucial.


Aim : This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among patients diagnosed with alopecia areata (AA).


Methods : The present study is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study conducted at Farhat Hached Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia, during the period from August to December 2019. Participants were recruited from the Dermatology Outpatient Department. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic characteristics, personal and family history, AA history, clinical presentation, disease severity (SALT score), nail involvement, and depression assessment using the Hamilton Depression Scale (validated Arabic version).


Results : A total of 60 AA patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 37.6 ± 12.9 years. Females exhibited a predominant representation, with a male to female ratio (M/F) of 0.76. According to the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), 31 cases (51.7%) were depressed, with a mean depression scale score of 11.33 (±6.57 SD). The presence of depression was significantly associated with younger age (p=0.018), the presence of the eyelashes/eyebrows form (p=0.035), nail involvement (p= 0.03), and a poor response to treatment (p=0.004).


Conclusion: Our research highlights the importance of providing psychological support to alopecia areata patients.

Keywords:

Alopecia Areata, depression, age, nail involvement, eyelashes, response to treatment

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