Hair and anxiety ?

[christ58]

I've been experiencing hair loss and noticeably slower hair growth, I have GAD and PTSD, the hair loss is merely aggravating my anxiety. What should I do ?

[jeanie115]

I have been prescribed anti depressants too. None of which ever helped. My therapist says I am not depressed just have been satuated with stress for too many years and stuck in a hated job. That being said my hair has gotten thinner and thinner. I was recently given Celexa about 6 months ago and I stopped taking about 2 months ago. Nasty stuff. Made me clench my teeth, nash my hands and my pulse would pound. Not to mention within a week of starting it I had a vein in my leg near my ankle sticking out and very tender. Went to doctor to get it all checked out and also discussed my fear about my hair. What was I told?  Had no idea about the vein issue and my hair was not getting thinner in front on top. How about this? After pulse pounding incident went off cold turkey and about 5 days later had withdrawal systems for 3 days but the enlarged tender vein went away never to be a problem again. My latest try was Seroquel. Doctor told me it is a antianxiety drug. Guess what? Its still an antidepressent and have been on it 1 1/2 months. My hair is so thin on the top I am starting to see through it.  Horrifying. I am not taking any of these drugs every again. I'll be sitting here in my sickening job with no hair.  Going to dermatologist next week to see what I can do.  

[mammo]

While anxiety can cause hair loss, at your age you should have your thyroid checked, along with a good physical check-up.  Are you in therapy for you anxiety? If not, this would help. I don't have ny idea what would cause your hair to grow more slowly and doubt that the anxiety has anyhting to do with it.  If any of your hormones are out of whack and Endocrinologist can run blood tests to determine this.  Take care.