Traumatic experiences, dissociative symptoms, and alexithymia in patients with alopecia areata


Demirgil F., Kuğu N., Yılmaz Y.

Journal of Dermatology, cilt.52, sa.3, ss.452-459, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 52 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/1346-8138.17572
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Dermatology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.452-459
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: alexithymia, alopecia areata, childhood trauma, dissociative disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Although genetic, environmental, autoimmune, and psychological factors are believed to play a role in the onset of alopecia areata (AA), the exact cause remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether there are differences in traumatic experiences, dissociative symptoms, and alexithymia levels between groups. Fifty eight patients diagnosed with AA, 58 individuals with dermatological diseases thought to have a low psychosomatic component, and 58 individuals not diagnosed with any chronic disease were included in the study. All participants were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). A Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5-CV) form was used to exclude additional psychiatric diagnoses. Mean scores on the CTQ-28 scale revealed differences between groups in terms of physical neglect and emotional neglect scores (p < 0.001; p = 0.022; p < 0.001). There were no differences in DES scores between groups (p = 0.085). When compared in terms of TAS-20 and PCL-5 scores, differences were found (p = 0.016; p = 0.024). As a result of this study, it was concluded that physical neglect and emotional neglect could play a significant role in the onset of AA. Alexithymia and traumatic stress disorder symptoms might be more prevalent in patients with AA.