Özet:

It is known that hair loss has a negative impact on body image and mental health in children and adolescents. Major etiological factors for alopecia areata (AA) which is characterized by hair loss are autoimmune mechanisms and stress. Psychiatric problems are frequently observed in individuals with AA. Our aim is to assess the comorbid psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with AA. Children and adolescents (n=30) referred to dermatology unit with complaints of hair loss, and diagnosed with AA were assessed upon psychiatric consultation. Psychiatric examination of individuals included in the study were conducted by Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children, Lifetime Version. Additional psychiatric disorders were present in 71% (n=10) of all individuals. The most common diagnosis was any anxiety disorder (36%). Major depression is the second most common diagnosis (n=3). Seperation anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, tic, enuresis nocturna, posttraumatic stress disorder, specific phobia and dysthymi c disorder were also noticed. Depressive disorders were seen especially in adolescent age group and in cases with chronic AA course. Psychiatric disorders especially major depression are common comorbid conditions observed in patients with AA. The relationship between psychological problems and stress and AA is bidirectional. Chronic AA and early disease onset leads to poor prognosis. Therefore early assessment by a child psychiatrist, and collaboration between psychiatrist and dermatologists in follow-up have a clinical importance for children with AA

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