Abstract
Objective. To indicate the importance of somatic and behavioural symptoms of a psychological trauma for the diagnostic process and further treatment planning.
Case. A case is reported of a self-injuring woman, suffering from alopecia areata, hospitalized for depressive disorders with associated suicidal tendencies.
Commentary. Alopecia areata may be a somatic manifestation of self-aggression. An analysis of the course of alopecia areata is a source of information valuable in the diagnostic process. Verification of a psychological background to the dermatological condition allows to introduce an appropriate treatment leading to a remission of somatic symptoms.