About Hair Loss Dysmorphic Disorder

Hair Loss Dysmorphic Disorder is a subset of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. This is a chronic mental illness characterized by the patient being preoccupied by a perceived flaw in the appearance of his hair. The flaw may be either real, though minor, or imagined. The condition may be so severe in some patients that they withdraw from public appearances.

Identification

• There are numerous signs that a person is suffering from Hair Loss Dysmorphic Disorder. The patient may be abnormally preoccupied with her physical appearance and may refer to herself as ugly or unattractive. She may spend an inordinate amount of time in front of the mirror or may refuse to look at herself in a mirror. She may avoid social contact, refuse to have her photograph taken, and experience extreme self-consciousness. She may spend an excessive amount of time grooming or applying cosmetics in an attempt to conceal perceived hair loss.

Cause

• There is no consensus on the causes of Hair Loss Dysmorphic Disorder. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic believe it may be rooted in a combination of factors including the environment and culture, genetic predisposition and biochemical issues.

Treatment

• Hair Loss Dysmorphic Disorder is a clinical mental illness that can be difficult to treat, particularly if the patient isn't convinced of the nature of his illness and doesn't participate fully in the treatment process. Psychotherapy and medication are used in conjunction to treat Hair Loss Dysmorphic Disorder.

Types

• According to a report published by the National Institutes of Health, although cosmetic surgery such as hair transplants may correct the perceived flaws, patients suffering from Hair Loss Dysmorphic Disorder are rarely satisfied with the results. However, most patients do respond when treated by either pharmacological therapy such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors or psychological methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Warning

• Occasionally the symptoms of Hair Loss Dysmorphic Disorder may lead to depression that is so severe, the patient may contemplate or attempt to harm herself or others. The disorder may become so debilitating that the patient is unable to care for herself. In these extreme cases, psychiatric hospitalization may be necessary.