Can Depression Cause Hair Loss? Unpacking the Connection

Experts have found some evidence to suggest certain depression symptoms may be linked to hair loss.

A 2012 study explored possible links between hair loss and depression symptoms in 157 women of various ages seeking treatment at a dermatology clinic.

The researchers asked questions about:

• hair type
• hair color
• shampooing, brushing or combing, and hair coloring frequency
• current medications
• underlying health conditions associated with hair loss
• depression symptoms
• personal relationships

Of the women interviewed, 54 percent said they experienced hair loss. While 29 percent of the women reported two or more symptoms of depression, 38 percent of the women experiencing hair loss also had at least two key depression symptoms:

• a persistent low or sad mood
• decreased interest and enjoyment of regular activities and daily life
• fatigue and low energy

Study authors also noted that women in their 20s and 30s were more likely to experience symptoms of both depression and hair loss.

The study didn’t determine that depression actually caused the hair loss, however. The researchers also didn’t rule out all possible medical causes of hair loss. Still, the results suggested that changes in mood, such as depression, may be linked to hair loss.

The role of stress

Stress is a known cause of thinning hair. In fact, stress can play a part in three different types of hair loss:

Depression and stress aren’t the same, of course. But stress can certainly factor into depression. Sudden, unwanted life changes and ongoing life challenges can increase your stress.

Triggers might include:

If you find it difficult to navigate and cope with these stressors, emotional distress can worsen and eventually contribute to depression.

The authors of the study above also noted that women who reported hair loss were more likely to not only have not depression symptoms, but also relationship issues — often a significant source of stress.

Many people also notice increased hair loss a few weeks or months after giving birth. Hair loss is very common after childbirth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Your hair will most likely begin growing at its regular rate within several months to a year.

Still, however excited or delighted you feel about your new baby, childbirth can certainly be a stressful life event.

You might also wonder whether depression plays a part in hair loss if you’ve noticed symptoms of postpartum depression.

Whether you’re experiencing ordinary stress as you adjust to the addition of a newborn or postpartum depression, a therapist can offer support and help you explore helpful treatments.

What about birth control pills?

Some people using hormonal birth control report symptoms of depression.

If you begin feeling depressed while taking birth control pills, you can talk with your prescribing physician about stopping the pills to help improve your mood. As your body adjusts to the change in hormones, you might start noticing some extra shedding or thinning of your hair.

While it’s not always easy to identify the specific cause of hair loss, it’s most likely the hormone imbalance that’s responsible here. Usually, this type of hair loss is temporary.

Some recent research also suggests certain antidepressants could raise your chance of hair loss.

A large 2018 study considered 8 years of data from a total of 1,025,140 new users of several antidepressants. Medications included selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and bupropion, a newer type of antidepressant known as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Aplenzin) was associated with the highest risk of hair loss, while paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) seemed to have the lowest risk.

This study also mentioned that sertraline (Zoloft) was prescribed more often than other antidepressants. This finding is worth noting because a handful of case studies, including research from 2016, 2015, and 2005, have found evidence to suggest this antidepressant can also cause hair loss.

A case study from 2013 also noted fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline, and paroxetine have all been connected with hair loss.

Researchers note that hair loss isn’t necessarily a common side effect of depression medications. Still, it could be a factor worth considering, especially when you’ve ruled out most other causes.

Hair loss can have quite a few causes.

Common ones to consider include:

Thyroid conditions, like hypothyroidism, can also cause hair loss. With hypothyroidism, your thyroid produces less hormones than it should.

This can lead to symptoms that resemble depression symptoms, including:

• energy loss
• weight gain
• fatigue
• trouble processing or remembering information

In short, while it’s possible to have both a thyroid condition and depression, you might also experience hair loss and depression-like symptoms because of hypothyroidism.

It’s always best to talk with a dermatologist or other healthcare professional about any hair loss that concerns you.

Even if you have symptoms of depression, hair loss often happens for other reasons. Without the right treatment, you could keep losing hair.

Since significant hair loss can cause stress and contribute to a low mood, it could even be the case that consistent hair loss is fueling feelings of depression, rather than the reverse.

It’s best to connect with a professional if you notice:

• bloating or changes in weight
• trouble with memory and thinking
• fatigue
• sleep problems
• restlessness, nervousness, or irritability
• brittle nails or hair
• dry or thin skin
• muscle weakness
• patches of itchy or scaly skin, especially on your scalp
• hair loss across your body
• clumps of hair on your pillow or in your drain, brush, or comb
• bald patches

On the other hand, persistent hair shedding or loss that you can’t trace back to any physical health concern could have an underlying mental health cause.

If you believe your hair loss relates to mental health symptoms, such as depression, stress, or anxiety, connecting with a mental health professional is a good next step.

A therapist can:

In some cases, your therapist might also help you identify and address specific symptoms that might relate to hair loss.

For example:

• You’ve noticed some weight loss, because you can’t find the energy to eat regular meals.
• Your feelings of depression were triggered by an unexpected (and distressingly lengthy) breakup.
• Concerns about finding work after losing your job leave you feeling anxious and hopeless.

Any increased or ongoing stress in your life could potentially contribute to depression. But hair loss related to mental health conditions will generally improve with the right kind of support.

It’s a good idea to reach out right away when you:

• feel depressed more days than not
• notice changes in your relationships or day-to-day function
• find it hard to take part in self-care activities or daily tasks and responsibilities
• have regular urges to pull out your hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows
• have thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Already getting support for depression? If you notice some improvement in your depression symptoms, your hair loss may relate to something else entirely. All the same, it’s worth mentioning increased hair loss to your therapist or healthcare professional, so you can explore alternate approaches to treatment.

If you’re taking an antidepressant linked to hair loss, it may be possible to try a lower dose or a different medication entirely. Just make sure to take your medication as directed until your doctor or psychiatrist tells you otherwise.

Research has yet to find conclusive support for depression as a direct cause of hair loss.

That said, depression, stress, and other mental health conditions often have a far-reaching health impact. Many experts agree mood symptoms and emotional distress could play a part in thinning hair.

However, stress-related hair loss typically isn’t permanent. So, getting support for depression could help promote hair health and growth along with improved well-being.