Which condition is often triggered by stress and leads to patchy hair loss?

Alopecia areata is a condition characterized by sudden and patchy hair loss, often triggered by stress or trauma. This autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair falling out in small, round patches. While the exact mechanism is still not fully understood, the connection between stress and the onset of alopecia areata is well-documented. Stress can precipitate or exacerbate the condition, making it a relevant consideration for those experiencing unexplained hair loss.

In contrast, androgenetic alopecia typically presents as a gradual thinning of hair on the scalp and is primarily influenced by genetic and hormonal factors rather than stress. Telogen effluvium involves a temporary increase in hair shedding and can be triggered by stress, but it usually presents more diffusely rather than in distinct patches. Traction alopecia results from mechanical stresses on the hair (like tight hairstyles) rather than an autoimmune process. Therefore, the specific characteristic of patchy hair loss related to stress aligns with alopecia areata as the correct answer.