Clinical depression and hair loss

[Hugo le Grande]

At the beginning of the year I was diagnosed with clinical depression and an anxiety disorder. I've been undergoing treatment (non-pharmaceutical) since.
It's also during this time that my hair has really started to thin in the middle part of my head.

Has anyone else suffered a similar experience? Or heard of such instances, or studies, relating to this topic?

 

[Hugo le Grande]

Thanks for the response.

I know depression is a common result of hair loss. But my situation is the reverse. My depression/anxiety preceded my hair thinning. So I am trying to determine whether it was these psychological disorders that contributed to my thinned hair.

That the thinning has been so rapid and has only really affected the mid-scalp makes me think perhaps it isn't typical male pattern baldness. But then again, this could just be denial...

Below is a shot of my hair as it looks unstyled. When styled it is quite easy to conceal.

 

[ali777]

Stress/depression can accelerate or even kick start hairloss.

I had the same problem as you. I never went to a doctor but I did have all the typical symptoms of depression. I was very stressed for a long period of time and I just couldn't deal with it. All my thinning coincided with stress. Since getting back to "normal", my hair hasn't changed at all.

There are some studies that point to "emotional stress" increasing DHT, the hormone that attacks the hair follicles. There are other effects as well. Stress messes up your vitamin and mineral intake, your hormonal balance, etc. When your hair is being attacked by the DHT, a weak scalp is the last thing you want. So, stress kills your hair from many angles.

It's a cliche, but you have to learn how to manage your stress/depression.

I suggest exercising. Go for a jog or a walk. I know socialising is the last thing in your mind, but you really have to make an effort to socialise more. Also, eat healthy...

 

[ali777]

That the thinning has been so rapid and has only really affected the mid-scalp makes me think perhaps it isn't typical male pattern baldness. But then again, this could just be denial...

It looks like male pattern baldness to me. The top of your hair is thinner than the sides. If it was Telogen Effluvium, you'd be thinning all over.

You are more of a diffuse thinner. According to some of the posters in this forum, diffuse thinning is the easiest one to treat.

If you suspect that you have temporary hairloss, you might want to give it a few months and see if your hair recovers. Otherwise, your only option is to treat hairloss. You could also try to manage your hairloss with lifestyle changes.

 

[Hugo le Grande]

Appreciate the reply.

I've learnt to deal with my depression and anxiety through cognitive behaviour treatment but refuse to take medication for it due to the side effects and dependency that is created. There are still times when it's overwhelming but these instances have reduced.

I'm really active, going to the gym 3 times a week plus regular jogging. I also eat really well, so I don't think it is my lifestyle that is causing the problems, more so psychological influences.

I'm reading about finasteride and rogaine to try and work out whether they are right for me, and in the interim I'm going to see a trichologist.

 

[uncomfortable man]

See a dermatologist or a credible doctor that can diagnose weather you actually have male pattern baldness. I don't believe stress will turn an nw2 into an nw5. If you are diffusing in the classic horseshoe pattern then it is genetic and you need meds pronto.

 

[Hugo le Grande]

^ So you would definitely advise against seeing a trichologist in favour of a dermatologist?

 

[IBM]

Your follicules are sensitive to DHT. That's all. Start finasteride and minoxidil.

 

[Hugo le Grande]

Just returned from my doctor with a prescription for Proscar, so the fight begins now! Do you think I should start Rogaine now also? Or wait and see how I respond to Proscar?

I've also bought some Nizoral 2%, Revita and biotin to add to the arsenal.

 

[Thinneritgoes!]

definitely wait man. Your loss is minimal and finasteride should be all you need

 

[metropolis]

I'm not a chronically depressed person but I do go through these drastic mood swings that can leave me devastated.

I had some personal problems this Summer that put me down (not just sad, but clinically depressed) and I tried tianeptine (brand name Stablon). I'm not an expert and this was the first time I took an antidepressant but I was really impressed with the results. I felt happy, relaxed, optimistic. There were no sexual side effects either; in fact, some users claim that tianeptine can actually improve libido!

Stablon is not available in the US but if you're feeling depressed I suggest you give it a try.

 

[Oknow]

That the thinning has been so rapid and has only really affected the mid-scalp makes me think perhaps it isn't typical male pattern baldness. But then again, this could just be denial...

It looks like male pattern baldness to me. The top of your hair is thinner than the sides. If it was Telogen Effluvium, you'd be thinning all over.

You are more of a diffuse thinner. According to some of the posters in this forum, diffuse thinning is the easiest one to treat.

My hair has got thinner all over. Sides are thin, so is the top. Do I have Telogen Effluvium?

I have been ill, and recovering from the op. Thinning happened as soon as I felt sick. Was thick a couple of weeks back.

 

[ali777]

That the thinning has been so rapid and has only really affected the mid-scalp makes me think perhaps it isn't typical male pattern baldness. But then again, this could just be denial...

It looks like male pattern baldness to me. The top of your hair is thinner than the sides. If it was Telogen Effluvium, you'd be thinning all over.

You are more of a diffuse thinner. According to some of the posters in this forum, diffuse thinning is the easiest one to treat.

My hair has got thinner all over. Sides are thin, so is the top. Do I have Telogen Effluvium?

I have been ill, and recovering from the op. Thinning happened as soon as I felt sick. Was thick a couple of weeks back.

If in doubt, do not self-medicate. Visit your GP and find out what's wrong with you....

I don't think you have/had Telogen Effluvium. Telogen Effluvium should come about 3 months after the condition occurs and then go away in a few months. The whole cycle takes a while. Two weeks is a very short period of time. Ask a professional...