Is ADHD linked to hair loss?

Author: Benny Murazik  |  Last update: Sunday, July 27, 2025

They found there was a link and patients with ADHD had an approximately 8 fold increased risk of alopecia areata. In 2021, Ho and colleagues set out to examine whether the risk of alopecia areata is higher in children with ADHD than in those without ADHD.

Can ADHD cause hair loss?

However, there are other appearance-related side effects to be on the lookout for if you're taking a stimulant prescription for ADHD, and hair loss, though rare, is one of them. Rieder says some skin conditions may be more prevalent among people who have ADHD.

Will my hair grow back if I stop taking Adderall?

Hair loss from Adderall is typically reversible once the person stops taking the medication. In most cases, the hair will grow back within a few months. However, in rare cases, hair loss can be permanent.

What mental disorders cause hair loss?

Hair loss-related mental disorders can be broadly divided in to: Adjustment disorder , which may depend on the severity of hair loss, and personality disorder , which is psychopathological and may be hypochondriacal or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

How to reverse Adderall hair loss?

No, hair loss linked to Adderall is typically not permanent. Addressing stress, diet, and sleep often restores hair growth.

Ask a Doctor: Alopecia, Hepatits A vaccination, ADHD and more

Can biotin regrow hair?

Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.

What emotion is linked to hair loss?

Hair loss may lead to depression, anxiety, and social phobia. Depression can lead to a feeling of low mood, lack of interest or pleasure in activities, loss of energy, and sleep deprivation.

What does hair loss from anxiety look like?

No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.

How common is hair loss on Wellbutrin?

It's worth noting that hair loss isn't always a side effect of taking Wellbutrin; it remains relatively rare, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and occurs in less than 1 out of 1,000 patients.

Does caffeine cause hair loss?

And fortunately for coffee lovers, caffeine doesn't cause hair loss or baldness, either. Most hair loss is genetic. It's linked to high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is a derivative of testosterone, which is why male or female pattern baldness is more common in men than in women.

Does Vyvanse thin hair?

Is hair loss a side effect of Vyvanse? The manufacturer indicates rare reporting of alopecia with Vyvanse use. You likely will not experience hair loss with Vyvanse, but if you do and it concerns you, you should speak with your healthcare professionals.

What deficiencies does Adderall cause?

Adderall can lead to the depletion of several important vitamins and minerals in the body. Particularly, it may affect levels of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and magnesium, among others. These nutrients play crucial roles in energy metabolism and neurological function.

What does your body lack when you have ADHD?

There is no conclusive data to support nutrient deficiencies as a cause of ADHD. However, research does exist demonstrating that patients with ADHD have reduced levels of vitamin D, zinc, ferritin, and magnesium.

What is excessive hair loss a symptom of?

Hormonal changes and medical conditions.

A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems.

What do ADHD people struggle with?

Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.

Is cortisol hair loss reversible?

Stress and hair loss don't have to be permanent. And if you get your stress under control, your hair might grow back. If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more than usual hair loss when combing or washing your hair, talk to your doctor.

Can hair grow back after thinning?

You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.

Why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp?

A visible scalp through your hair can be a sign that it's thinning (but not always). The factors that contribute to thinning hair (and thus a visible scalp) include stress, diet, vitamin deficiency and ageing.

What organ controls hair loss?

If you have a problem with your thyroid, you may see thinning hair. Some people notice that their hair comes out in clumps when they brush it. Is regrowth possible? Yes, treating the thyroid disease can reverse the hair loss.

How long do iron tablets take to stop hair loss?

If iron deficiency is the only reason for your hair loss, you should start seeing improvements within a few months of taking iron supplements. Typically, it takes about 3 to 6 months to see noticeable changes, as hair growth is a gradual process.

What does stress hair loss look like?

Stress hair loss, or telogen effluvium, looks like hair falling out quickly from combing, washing, or even just touching the hair. The hair on the scalp may be thinning, but the scalp looks healthy and does not have scales or rashes.

Why am I losing so much hair as a female?

An underlying health condition like an abnormal thyroid, anemia, vitamin deficiency, etc. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause). Certain medications and supplements (blood pressure medicines, gout medicines and high doses of vitamin A). Genetic predisposition (it runs in your biological family history).

Previous article
What should you not do after dermaplaning?
Next article
How long to leave Color Touch on for?