Alopecia--a psychosomatic disease picture? I. Review of the literature
Egle, U.T.; Tauschke, E.
Psychotherapie Psychosomatik Medizinische Psychologie 37(1): 31-35
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0937-2032 PMID: 3562755 Document Number: 3767
The article reviews the literature on psychogenesis of alopecia areata, supplemented by a brief presentation of recent immunological concepts concerning this disease pattern. General timidity and fearfulness, social aloofness and tendency to depression are considered common characteristics of the primary personality of alopecia patients. These features are interpreted as following an early disturbance in the mother-child relationship. Loss of hair is triggered by events involving loss or impending loss. Against the background of recently discovered psychoimmunological interrelationships an attempt is made to develop a hypothesis of a pathogenetic "chain" that can integrate the various upsetting factors.
Document emailed within 1 workday
