A new bidirectional Mendelian randomization study has identified a potential causal relationship between androgenetic alopecia and an increased risk of depression.
In the study, published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, investigators analyzed large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) data sets and found that patients with androgenetic alopecia had a statistically significant higher risk of developing depression (inverse variance weighted odds ratio [IVW OR] = 1.015, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.002–1.029, P = .020). However, reverse analysis did not show a statistically significant causal relationship, as depression was not found to contribute to AGA risk (IVW OR = 1.101, 95% CI = 0.890–1.362, P = .374).
The investigators employed rigorous statistical tests, including heterogeneity and pleiotropy assessments, to validate their findings. Cochrane’s Q test yielded a nonsignificant result (P = .884), and MR-Egger intercept analysis showed no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy (P = .389).
AGA, a hereditary condition affecting approximately 80% of men and 50% of women by 70 years, has long been associated with self-esteem issues and psychological distress. Prior observational studies suggested a link between AGA and mental health disorders, but the study is among the first MR studies to provide evidence of a one-way causal relationship. The findings reinforced previous research showing that over 25% of male patients with AGA reported frustration as a result of hair loss, and about 65% experienced mild to moderate emotional distress.
Study limitations included its focus on individuals of European descent, which may have limited generalizability, and the lack of subgroup analyses by age, gender, or disease duration. Further research may be needed to explore the biological mechanisms linking AGA and depression.
"We are the first to use MR analysis to explore the causal relationship between AGA and depression, revealing an increased risk of depression in [patients] with AGA," concluded lead study author Haiyang Li, of the Department of Dermatology at Minhang Hospital at the Fudan University in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. They emphasized the importance of psychologic support and early intervention among patients experiencing AGA-related distress.
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.
