Depression and Chronic Stress - Can They Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss can clearly be caused by high levels of stress. The hair loss phase is called telogen effluvium, and can cause partial or complete hair loss. Your family M.D. needs to be consulted to help you with this, as well as even a Psychologist or Psychiatrist for situational stress treatment on occasion My hope for you is that with proper treatment this condition will be reversed, but please be advised that I professionally had a patient who did not have a reversal... more

Yes, depression and excessive emotional or physical stress are linked to hair loss. Stress can prompt white blood cells to attack the hair follicles, causing alopecia. It can also push hairs into a prolonged resting phase, which is called telogen effluvium. Your hair loss should not be permanent and will likely grow back once you get your emotional health on track. I advise you to seek help for your psychological turmoil first and foremost. Then, if your hair does not grow back in due... more

I personally believe that depression and chronic stress, both of which can alter hormone levels, play a role in hair loss. That being said, as hair loss is a very complicated subject and requires a hair evaluation and extensive discussion of the patient's history including medications, this question really should not be answered online. I recommend you consult with a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss.