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Are teens with alopecia areata more at risk for things like depression, and eating disorders?

Are they more likely to get diagnosed with depression? An eating disorder such as bulimia?

Short answer: Yes.
I have alopecia since age of 12 and it has been TOUGH! I am now in my early 30s. Nobody can tell that I have alopecia because I wear a pretty wig. But it's constantly on my mind.

My parents sent me off to boarding school at 13 shortly after losing all my hair. I was alone during the remainder of my teenage years to deal with it. Additionally I thought the hairlessness was caused by psychological issues (which was what our useless family doctor had said).

My response to the situation was to try to become 'perfect' in my looks in every other respect. Body, face, style.... I had a brief encounter with anorexia but snapped out of it before no serious damage was done.

Getting alopecia is EXTREMELY TOUGH for a women of any age, particularly on a teenager suffering from the usual teenage year insecurities.

All I can recommend is to BE THERE for your daughter and support her in whatever way seems the best to her. Don't force her to wear a wig or not wear one. Don't force her into situations where wearing a wig is complicated.

There is no cure for alopecia that is worth it. The cure is acceptance and self confidence. Being a Christian helps.

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Gonorrhea Depression Diabetes Dry Eye Eating Disorders Endometriosis Epilepsy Estrogen Fibroids Fibromyalgia
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