Psychologic characteristics of men with alopecia androgenetica and their modification

Psychologic characteristics were studied in a sample of 168 men with alopecia androgenetica who participated in a clinical trial on the efficacy of minoxidil gel. In general, no evidence of psychologic malfunctioning was found. Instead, a slightly more adequate psychologic state was indicated. However, specific problems associated with hair loss were reported by a substantial number of men. Responders with cosmetic improvement in the group over 35 years of age improved more regarding general psychologic maladjustment, inadequacy, and self-evaluation than those who did not respond. A reverse trend was, however, found in the group younger than 35 years of age, where the nonresponders improved more. An explanation for these findings is derived from the theory of cognitive dissonance.