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Stress
induced effluvium
Little is understood about how stress can adversely effect biological
function but there is good anecdotal evidence, and some limited
statistical evidence, to show an association between stress and
hair loss.
Both long term chronic stress, depression, and sudden intense
anxiety may promote the onset of telogen effluvium. The hair loss
may develop and become noticeable a few weeks to four months after
the initial stress episode. The telogen effluvium persists for as
long as the stress persists and hair loss may continue for several
months after stress reduction.
The mechanism by which stress affects hair follicles is not known,
but hair follicles are surrounded and invaded by an intimate network
of nerve cells. Potentially, any adverse chemical activity in the
nervous system might send adverse signals to hair follicles.
Stress
induced effluvium references
- Davidhizar R, Eshleman J. Can stress make you
lose your hair? J Pract Nurs. 2001 Winter;51(4):18-23.
- Bravender T. Index of suspicion. Case #3.
Diagnosis: Telogen effluvium. Pediatr Rev. 2000 Oct;21(10):354-7.
- York J, Nicholson T, Minors P, Duncan DF. Stressful
life events and loss of hair among adult women, a case-control
study. Psychol Rep. 1998 Jun;82(3 Pt 1):1044-6.
- Rebora A. Telogen effluvium. Dermatology.
1997;195(3):209-12.
- Zalka AD, Byarlay JA, Goldsmith LA. Alopecia
a deux: simultaneous occurrence of alopecia in a husband and wife.
Arch Dermatol. 1994 Mar;130(3):390-2.
- Olsen EA. Alopecia: evaluation and management.
Prim Care. 1989 Sep;16(3):765-87.
- Cermak T. [Psyche and skin]. Wien Klin
Wochenschr. 1980 Sep 26;92(18):641-50.
- Bergfeld WF. Diffuse hair loss in women.
Cutis. 1978 Aug;22(2):190-5.
- Eckert J. Diffuse hair loss in women: the psychopathology
of those who complain. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1976 May;53(5):321-7.
- Eckert J. Diffuse hair loss and psychiatric disturbance.
Acta Derm Venereol. 1975;55(2):147-9.
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