Hypnotherapeutic management of alopecia areata.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
This is a preliminary study with a limited number of patients. A larger randomized study is necessary.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypnotherapy may enhance the mental well-being of patients with AA and it may improve clinical outcome.
Willemsen
Ria
R
Department of Dermatology, Academic Hospital, Free University (VUB), Brussels. riawil@scarlet.be
Vanderlinden
Johan
J
Deconinck
Arlette
A
Roseeuw
Diane
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome