Research on Psychological Effects of Hair Loss
Although hair loss problems are not as serious as heart attacks or strokes they are quite as psychologically damaging as other forms of illness according to researchers at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin a well-known teaching hospital in Europe.
Researchers at the institute conducted a detailed analysis of hair growth, hair disorders and changes in hair density and quality over a period of time among patients suffering from hair loss.The research has highlighted the effects it has on patients which was found to be disastrous in many cases.
Recently an article examined the case of a young man who suffered hair loss early in life and took to drugs to combat depression. Slowly he started peddling drugs and is now in the hands of the police.
Many people suffer from exaggerated feelings of ugliness and are always anxious about their looks a condition called dysmorphic disorder. Baldness also triggers feelings of low self-confidence, mental disorders and disrupts normal activities.
Men and women suffer from hair loss owing to different reasons and to varying degrees but the feelings of depression in both the sexes is common. Male pattern baldness (MPB) causes baldness in an estimated quarter of men by the age of 30 and in two-thirds of the population by the age of 60. Although quite prevalent it does not go easy on the feelings. Many people go into hiding under hats, scarves and wigs even if they were uncomfortable.
Patients who suffer from acute hair loss go through psychological stages and go from depression to other problems such as trichotillomania. In this condition they tend to aggravate hair loss by twisting and pulling the hair themselves. These come under ‘psychotrichological’ disorders which includes feelings like disfigurement and anxiety which makes them reclusive and ashamed of their looks.
Celebrities like hair stylist James Brown, footballer Wayne Rooney, actor James Nesbitt and X Factor Judge Louis Walsh did not try to conceal the fact that they went for hair transplant and have actually made the procedures socially acceptable.
Some celebrities have even explained why they underwent the procedure and their feelings before and after the procedure. Undoubtedly after undergoing hair transplant they regained confidence and self-esteem and on the whole felt much better.
Although cost prohibitive now for most people further research, advancements in technology, more new inventions and methods promise to make hair transplant procedures more affordable and accessible. Also all major cities in the United States boast of several facilities and people do not feel bad about approaching a clinic that renders hair transplant services.
However not all people who suffer from hair loss go into depression. While some people may not mind at all and take it in their stride there are some who actually feel it gives them a more mature look and more credibility in their professions.
Hairfear
