Jean-Phillip Okhovat1, Dustin H Marks1, Athena Manatis-Lornell1, Dina Hagigeorges1, Joseph J Locascio2, Maryanne M Senna3. 1. Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. 2. Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. 3. Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Electronic address: msenna@partners.org.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To date, there is no comprehensive meta-analysis analyzing the association between alopecia areata, anxiety, and depression. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the existing literature to examine the association between alopecia areata, anxiety, and depression. METHODS: We extracted literature from four databases including Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, and Web of Science. We utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines in order to finalize a list of relevant articles to be included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. There were no restrictions placed on publication year or age of participants. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies that included 6,010 patients with AA and 20,961 control patients were included in the quantitative analysis. These included 4 cross-sectional studies and 4 case-control studies. Analysis of these studies demonstrated a positive association with anxiety (pooled OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.54-4.06) and depression (pooled OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.52-4.82). LIMITATIONS: Publication bias may be a limitation of the study. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with AA are at higher risk of both anxiety and depression. Healthcare professionals must be cognizant of this higher risk and consider routine assessment of these conditions and referral to appropriate providers when indicated.
BACKGROUND: To date, there is no comprehensive meta-analysis analyzing the association between alopecia areata, anxiety, and depression. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the existing literature to examine the association between alopecia areata, anxiety, and depression. METHODS: We extracted literature from four databases including Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, and Web of Science. We utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines in order to finalize a list of relevant articles to be included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. There were no restrictions placed on publication year or age of participants. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies that included 6,010 patients with AA and 20,961 control patients were included in the quantitative analysis. These included 4 cross-sectional studies and 4 case-control studies. Analysis of these studies demonstrated a positive association with anxiety (pooled OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.54-4.06) and depression (pooled OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.52-4.82). LIMITATIONS: Publication bias may be a limitation of the study. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with AA are at higher risk of both anxiety and depression. Healthcare professionals must be cognizant of this higher risk and consider routine assessment of these conditions and referral to appropriate providers when indicated.
Authors: Yuki M F Andersen; Lea Nymand; Amy M DeLozier; Russel Burge; Emily Edson-Heredia; Alexander Egeberg Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-02-16 Impact factor: 2.692