Parenting Styles and Psychological Effects on Children with Alopecia Areata: Exploring Family Dynamics, Anxiety, and Depression

Abstract

Abstract Objective Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that develops due to inflammation and causes sudden hair loss. It has been observed that family circumstances may contribute to the development of AA. This study aims to assess the relationship between the development of alopecia areata in children, family functions, and depression and anxiety levels in their parents. Methods Thirty-nine participants diagnosed with AA and 41 healthy controls (HC), aged between 8 and 18 years, and their parents participated in the study. The assessment of the children included the completion of a socio-demographic data form, the Parenting Style Scale (PSS), and the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). The parents provided information on a sociodemographic form, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results The children in the control group scored significantly higher on the PSS acceptance/ involvement subscale than those with AA. In the AA group, the number of authoritative and indulgent (PSS) families was statistically significantly lower than that of the families in the HC, and the number of neglectful families was statistically significantly higher than those of the control group. Total anxiety and depression t scores (RCADS) were statistically significantly higher in the AA children than in the HC. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the importance of considering familial factors and parental mental health to understand and address alopecia areata in children. Our findings support the psychosomatic component of AA. Implementing comprehensive treatment strategies that target psychological well-being and family dynamics could prove crucial.