# PTE Reading MCM #16: Understanding Alopecia...

Reading: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers #16 - Level 3 - Feeds Reading

> Read the text and answer the question by choosing all the options that are correct. More than one answer is correct, and a wrong choice costs a point.

Another common root cause of hair loss in women and men is alopecia areata - an autoimmune disease that more than 2 to 3 percent of the American populace is battling with. The condition could be due to heredity. About 1 in 5 people suffering from alopecia areata have a family history of the disorder. When cells in hair follicles are by mistake attacked by the immune system, the condition develops. Besides, alopecia areata, consumption of certain medicines, and medical conditions such as thyroid and anemia also lead to hair loss. According to hair loss and psychology experts, hair loss negatively impacts self-confidence and self-esteem as well. Women have been observed to suffer from lower self-esteem more than men due to hair loss. Hair loss can be quite devastating to women's self-esteem. Social withdrawal, avoiding work-outs, and overeating increase due to increasing hair loss. Psychologists and hair experts advise taking proper medical advice and follow a healthy lifestyle to deal with hair loss.

Which of the following statements are correct?

- Alopecia areata is a neurological disorder that affects hormonal balance which leads to hair-loss.
- About 2 to 3 percent of US population is suffering from an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata
- Alopecia areata mainly occurs due to high blood-pressure.
- Psychological impact of hair-loss affects women more than men.
- Hair-loss can be devastating for women's self-esteem.

## Answer

- About 2 to 3 percent of US population is suffering from an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata
- Psychological impact of hair-loss affects women more than men.
- Hair-loss can be devastating for women's self-esteem.

## Explanation

The passage explicitly mentions the prevalence of the condition, the link between gender and self-esteem, and the emotional impact on women.

What to watch: The text calls alopecia areata "an autoimmune disease" and gives the "2 to 3 percent" figure. Women "suffer from lower self-esteem more than men," and hair loss "can be quite devastating" for them. The neurological option is wrong because the disease is autoimmune. Blood pressure is never mentioned as a cause.

## Hints

- Focus on the specific medical definition and the demographic statistics provided in the first half of the text.
- Look for the section discussing how different genders perceive and react to hair loss.

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