This study aims to assess how common depression is among patients with alopecia areata at Sohag University Hospital using a questionnaire. It is an observational study with no treatment involved.

This is a cross-sectional observational study designed to evaluate the prevalence of depression among patients with alopecia areata attending the dermatology outpatient clinic at Sohag University Hospital. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition characterized by non-scarring hair loss and may be associated with psychological distress.

The study will include patients diagnosed clinically with alopecia areata. Data will be collected through structured interviews and the use of a validated depression screening questionnaire. No therapeutic intervention will be applied during the study.

The aim of the study is to assess the psychological burden of alopecia areata and identify the frequency of depressive symptoms among affected patients. The findings may help in improving holistic patient care by addressing both dermatological and psychological aspects of the disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with alopecia areata Age 18 years and above Attending dermatology outpatient clinic at Sohag University Hospital Willing to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with other causes of hair loss Patients with known psychiatric disorders prior to alopecia areata diagnosis Patients refusing participation

Patients with clinically diagnosed alopecia areata attending the dermatology outpatient clinic at Sohag University Hospital. The study population includes adult patients aged 18 years and above who are willing to participate in the study.

Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to patient confidentiality and ethical considerations. The data collected in this study will be used solely for the purposes of the current research analysis and will not be made publicly available. Aggregated results may be published in scientific journals.