There are a number of different reasons why people experience hair loss in their lifetime; this could be down to illness, medication, or, even genetics. Anxiety and stress can also be a contributing factor when it comes to hair loss, and according to Anxiety UK, ‘more than 1 in 10 people are likely to have a disabling anxiety disorder at some point in their life’.

About Anxiety

Feeling nervous about certain things, such as a driving test, flying or an important life event is normal, however, it is when this feeling of impending doom and increased nervousness begins to take over your life that it begins to become a problem. Anxiety is often experienced alongside depression. Symptoms of severe anxiety include:

• Breathlessness & panic attacks
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Muscular tension

If you think you may be suffering from anxiety is it extremely important to visit a doctor.

Why Anxiety can cause Hair Loss

Anxiety is a prolonged form of stress which can cause conditions such as:

Trichotillmania

This is where the sufferer feels an uncontrollable urge to pull out their hair from their head and other parts of the body.

Compulsive Skin Picking

This is a form of OCD that is associated with anxiety and stress – the sufferer again feels an urge to pick at imperfections that aren’t there. This commonly occurs on the scalp which can damage hair follicles leading to hair loss.

Alepica Areata

This condition causes large clumps of hair to fall out; often hair will never grow back.

Are there any treatments?

Sometimes, hair loss experienced during periods of anxiety will grow back when the anxiety is overcome. However, in some cases hair loss is permanent. Hair loss can cause a severe lack of confidence, but the good news is that you don’t have to stick with it; hair transplants in the UK, are becoming more and more popular and are an excellent solution when it comes to this problem.

Hair loss is not always caused by anxiety, there may be another reason for it, which is why it is important to consult your doctor should you noticed any problems or changes. Here at the Aesthetic Skin Clinic, we provide hair transplants and a range of cosmetic treatments, if you would like more information in regards to our services, please get in contact with our team!