Alopecia Areata in the Very Young

Abstract

The authors report their investigation of possible relationships between the dermatologic condition of alopecia areata and the emotional state of the patient among a number of young children with the disorder. The clinical evidence suggests a dynamic formulation based upon symbolic loss at a very early age, subsequent symptomatic management of the loss, and, finally, collapse of the management system, precipitating the onset of rapid hair loss. Further physiologic and psychiatric studies may shed some light on the specific somatization process and support the authors' conclusion that this disease belongs in the category of psychosomatic entities.