2007 suplement 1

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Volume 16, suplement 1

Case report

Alopecia areata as a manifestation of unconscious trauma: a case report

Ewa Wojtyna1, Małgorzata Dosiak1
1. Oddział Psychiatryczny Szpitala Miejskiego w Rudzie Śląskiej
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2007; 16, suplement 1 (21): 57-59
Keywords: alopecia areata, early childhood trauma, self-injury, dissociation, abuse, case report

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.

Address for correspondence:
Dr Ewa Wojtyna
Oddział Psychiatryczny Szpitala Miejskiego
ul. Lipa 2, 41-703 Ruda Śląska
tel. (32) 3440757
e-mail: evoy@poczta.onet.pl