Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has a significant psychosocial impact on both genders. This study investigated AGA severity, psychosocial burden, sociodemographic factors, and the influence of social media on treatment-seeking behavior. METHODS: A total of 390 patients diagnosed with AGA at a university hospital in Turkey between January 2023 and 2024 were included. Data on disease severity, psychological impact, treatment awareness, and social media engagement were collected. RESULTS: The mean AGA onset age was 23.9 years in men and 29.46 years in women. Severe AGA was observed in 38.5% of men and 41% of women, with men experiencing significantly higher emotional and functional distress (p = 0.05, p = 0.003). Early-onset AGA (before age 20) was associated with increased psychological distress, including higher emotion, function, and stigma scores, along with lower self-confidence (p = 0.007, p < 0.001, p = 0.037, p < 0.001). Social media was used by 69.3% of participants for hair loss information, mainly on Google, Instagram, and TikTok, but had no significant impact on treatment choices (p = 0.971) or psychological distress (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: AGA significantly affects psychological well-being, particularly in men with severe hair loss and individuals with early-onset AGA. While social media is a primary information source, it does not influence treatment decisions or psychological distress. These findings highlight the need for evidence-based digital health communication to counter misinformation. Future research should examine the long-term psychological effects of AGA and further explore the role of social media in patient education and treatment behaviors.