IMIPRAMINE IN ALOPECIA-AREATA - A DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY

Alopecia areata (AA) is a dermatologic disease whose onset is signific antly associated to life events. Its course may often be characterized by high levels of anxiety and depression. These observations suggeste d a rationale for using an antidepressant in AA. Thirteen patients wer e enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy of imipramine in alopecia. After six months clinically significant hair r egrowth occurred in 5 of the 7 patients on imipramine, whereas no resp onse was observed in the placebo group. An improvement in psychic symp tomatology was present in both groups. Our preliminary results indicat e the potential efficacy of imipramine in patients with AA, not acting directly through a reduction of anxiety or depression.