Alopecia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Alopecia, including details on hair loss, baldness, treatment, causes, prevention.

Hypnotherapeutic management of alopecia areata.

Willemsen R, Vanderlinden J, Deconinck A, Roseeuw D

Department of Dermatology, Academic Hospital, Free University (VUB), Brussels. riawil@scarlet.be

BACKGROUND: Only limited data exist on the role of psychotherapy in alopecia areata (AA). OBJECTIVE: We sought to document the influence of hypnotherapy on psychologic well-being and clinical outcome in AA. METHODS: Hypnosis was used in 28 patients with extensive AA who were refractory to previous conventional treatments. It was added as a complementary treatment or used as the only treatment. RESULTS: In all, 21 patients, 9 with alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis and 12 with extensive AA, were analyzed during a 5-year period. After treatment, all patients had a significantly lower score for anxiety and depression. Scalp hair growth of 75% to 100% was seen in 12 patients after 3 to 8 sessions of hypnotherapy. Total growth occurred in 9 of these 12 patients, including 4 patients with alopecia universalis and 2 with ophiasis. In 5 patients, a significant relapse occurred. LIMITATIONS: This is a preliminary study with a limited number of patients. A larger randomized study is necessary. CONCLUSION: Hypnotherapy may enhance the mental well-being of patients with AA and it may improve clinical outcome.

Published 17 July 2006 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 55(2): 233-7.
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