Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent and irresistible urges to pull out hair from one's scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body, resulting in noticeable hair loss and distress or impairment in daily functioning.
What is Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder)?
Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent and irresistible urges to pull out hair from one's scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body, resulting in noticeable hair loss and distress or impairment in daily functioning.
Who does Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) affect?
Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) can affect people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds, but it typically develops during adolescence or early adulthood. It affects approximately 1-2% of the general population and is more common in females than males. It may co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
What are the symptoms of Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder)?
The primary symptom of trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) is recurrent and irresistible urges to pull out hair from one's scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body. This can lead to noticeable hair loss, as well as tension, anxiety, or discomfort before pulling and relief or gratification after pulling.
Other common symptoms may include repeated attempts to stop or reduce hair pulling, significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning, and the presence of other repetitive behaviors or mental health conditions.
How is Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) diagnosed?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), the diagnostic criteria for trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) are:
Recurrent pulling out of one's hair, resulting in hair loss.
Repeated attempts to decrease or stop hair pulling.
Hair pulling causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other key areas of functioning.
Hair pulling or hair loss is not attributable to another medical condition (e.g., a dermatological condition).
Hair pulling is not better explained by the symptoms of another mental disorder (e.g., delusions or tactile hallucinations in a psychotic disorder, attempts to improve a perceived defect or flaw in body appearance in body dysmorphic disorder, stereotypies in stereotypic movement disorder, or intentions to harm oneself in Non suicidal self-injury).
What are strategies and therapies for overcoming Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder)?
There are several strategies and treatments that can be helpful in overcoming trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), including:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help individuals identify triggers for hair pulling and develop strategies to resist the urge to pull.
Habit reversal training, which involves becoming more aware of hair-pulling behaviors and learning to replace them with alternative behaviors.
Mindfulness-based approaches, such as meditation or deep breathing, to help manage urges and reduce stress.
Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or antipsychotic drugs, which may be prescribed in some cases to help reduce hair pulling.
Support groups, such as those offered by the Trichotillomania Learning Center, which provide a forum for individuals to share their experiences and receive emotional support.
It is important to note that what works best can vary from person to person, and it may take some time to find the right combination of strategies and treatments. Seeking help from a mental health professional with experience in treating trichotillomania can be an important first step in finding effective treatment.
This content is provided for informational and entertainment value only. It is not a replacement for a trained professional's diagnosis or for the treatment of any illness. If you feel like you are struggling with this condition, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. With the right treatment and support, individuals with this condition can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. BetterPsych provides full psychological services via telehealth and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our services. For more information and to find a therapist specializing in this disorder, please call (833) 496-5011, or visit https://www.betterpsych.com.