Hirsutism is associated with increased hospitalization for mental health disorders

Hirsutism is a common condition characterized by excess hair growth and may lead to psychosocial distress and substantial mental health (MH) burden. These psychosocial manifestations may lead to MH emergencies and hospitalization. However, the prevalence and predictors of MH hospitalization associated with hirsutism are not well-understood. The objective of this study was to determine the likelihood and associations of MH hospitalization among females in the US with hirsutism. Data were analyzed from female inpatients in the 2005-2014 National Inpatient Sample, a representative sample of US hospitalizations. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine the association of MH hospitalization and comorbidities with hirsutism diagnosis. Patients with hirsutism were more likely to also have a comorbid MH disorder, compared to those without hirsutism (49.5% vs 27.5%, odds ratio [95% CI]: 3.33 [3.14-3.54]), including higher odds of having 14 of the 15 MH disorders studied. Moreover, those with hirsutism had higher odds of hospitalization for a MH disorder in multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, and insurance coverage (14.0% vs 3.6%, 3.84 [3.50-4.21]). The mean length of hospital stay (LOS) for a MH disorder was greater among inpatients with vs without hirsutism (12.8 vs 7.1 days, β [95% CI]: 5.71 [4.24-7.18]). There were two-way interactions of hirsutism and MH hospitalization as predictors of longer LOS. Among female inpatients with hirsutism, MH hospitalization was associated with younger age, having health insurance, and longer LOS, and inversely associated with elective admission. In conclusion, female inpatients with hirsutism have higher odds of comorbid MH disorders and MH hospitalizations, with much longer LOS. Patients may benefit from increased access to outpatient follow-up, as poor disease control may contribute to worse MH outcomes and more frequent hospitalization.