This is the results of a study set out to determine the effects of hypnosis on alopecia areata. The direct link to this study can be found at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16844504
Conducted by: Willemsen R, Vanderlinden J, Deconinck A, Roseeuw D.
Department of Dermatology, Academic Hospital, Free University (VUB), Brussels. riawil@scarlet.be
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.
LIMITATIONS: This is a preliminary study with a limited number of patients. A larger randomized study is necessary.
CONCLUSION: Hypnotherapy may enhance the mental well-being of patients with AA and it may improve clinical outcome.
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