Evaluation of somatization, coping with stress and sleeping habits in children with alopecia areata

Aim: The aim of our study is to evaluate the somatization levels, coping styles, sleep habits and anxiety levels in children and adolescents diagnosed with alopecia areata. Materials and Methods: The study included 40 children aged 8-18 years who were diagnosed with AA in Düzce University Medical Faculty Dermatology Clinic and 40 children who were matched for age and gender and didn't have AA. All children and adolescents were administered sociodemographic data form, child somatization inventory – 24 (CSI-24), ways of coping inventory (COPE), children anxiety related disorders (SCARED), and all parents were administered the children's sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ). The severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score was calculated in the children in the patient group. Results: It was found that AA patients had problems in peer relationships and had poorer academic success compared to their siblings. Total scores of CSI-24, CSHQ, SCARED were found to be higher. It was found that emotion-focused coping styles were used more and the helpless approach from the subscales was used frequently. A positive relationship was found between the emotion-oriented approach and somatization levels and a positive relationship was seen between the level of somatization and the helpless approach and submissive approach. It was found that social anxiety disorder decreased in those who used the self-confident approach and increased in those who used the helpless approach style. It was seen that there were more severe somatic complaints in the presence of social anxiety disorder. It was found that generalized anxiety disorder, school refusal, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder increased in those who used the emotion-oriented coping style. Conclusion: This study shows that AA patients have higher levels of somatization, anxiety tendencies, and problematic sleep habits, and that they use dysfunctional coping strategies more frequently. Because of the relationship between AA and psychiatric symptoms in children and the relationship between the coping strategies used by patients and the psychological problems they experience, it is thought that providing psychological support to at-risk patients will improve patients compliance with treatment and prognosis.