Scalp alopecia and mental health outcomes in young adults: mapping the evidence through a scoping review

Author Sonali Kar
Co-Author Gouri Kumar Rath, Avinandan Sarkar
DOI https://ww

Country : India
Subject : Dermatology/ Psychology/Public Health

Keywords : Scalp alopecia, mental health, young adults, quality of life, health-seeking behaviour, scoping review

Abstract

Background: Scalp alopecia is common in young adults and may act as a psychosocial stressor with public health relevance. Evidence on mental health outcomes, quality of life (QoL) instruments, and health seeking behaviour remains fragmented.
Design and methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA ScR. PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched for studies published between January 2016 and February 2026. Studies involving young adults aged 18–35 years that examined scalp alopecia in relation to depression, anxiety, stress, QoL, or health seeking behaviour were included. Data were charted and synthesized narratively, with an evidence map and tool wise comparison.
Results: Twenty two studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were cross sectional and clinic based. Depression and anxiety were the most frequently assessed outcomes, commonly measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). Stress was less consistently assessed. Quality of life was most often measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index, while hair specific tools such as HAIRDEX were used infrequently. Evidence on health seeking behaviour was scarce, and institutional studies in university settings were limited.
Conclusions: Scalp alopecia is associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes in young adults, but existing evidence is skewed towards clinical settings. Public health research should prioritise institutional and community based studies in low and middle income countries, include male students and young men, and integrate hair specific QoL tools alongside routine mental health screening.

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