Hair Falling Out & Anxiety

The National Institute of Mental Health says anxiety is a common response to stress because it helps you stay focused during emotionally charged times such as when a loved one dies. The widespread physical symptoms associated with stress and anxiety can include hair loss. Fortunately, anxiety-induced hair loss usually corrects itself in time.

Telogen Efflivium

Any adverse chemical activity that occurs in the nervous systems can potentially send negative signals to hair follicles. The most widespread type of stress-induced hair loss is telogen effluvium. This condition alters the normal hair growth pattern, causing an excessive number of hairs to enter the resting and shedding phases of the cycle.

Effects

When anxiety triggers the onset of telogen effluvium it can take several weeks or months before you begin to notice a thinning of hair. Sometimes you won't be aware of the problem until your hair falls out abruptly while combing, brushing or shampooing. Telogen effluvium usually causes a thinning of hair on top of the scalp rather than at the back and sides. It rarely causes a receding hairline.

Prognosis

Telegen effluvium generally subsides when a stressful situation has passed or, in the case of chronic anxiety, the underlying condition is effectively treated. Hair lost due to telegen effluvium usually grows back within a few months.

Alopecia Areata

In some cases extreme stress and anxiety may lead to a type of hair loss known as alopecia areata. This autoimmune condition prompts white blood cells to harm hair follicles, impeding the growth of hair. Within a few weeks the affected hair simply falls out. Alopecia areata may initially be confined to a small round spot on the scalp. As the condition worsens it can spread to the entire scalp.
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Solution

While there is no effective topical treatment for telogen efflluvium, the Mayo Clinic says alopecia areata may respond to Minoxidil (Rogaine). If you notice your hair falling out an accelerated pace, consult with your doctor. While hair loss can be a physical symptom of anxiety, it could also be a warning sign of an underlying medical condition.