Trichotillomania (Hair-pulling)

This is a hair pulling disorder that involves an irresistible urge to pull out hair. This disorder affects about 4% of the population and occurs more frequently in females than males. People with this disorder may pull out the hair on their head or in other places such as eyebrows and eyelashes.

What are the symptoms of Trichotillomania?

The symptoms of this disorder usually begin before age 17.

• Denying hair pulling
• Bald patches on the scalp
• Other self-injury behaviours
• Constant twisting and pulling of hair
• An increasing sense of tension before hair pulling
• Experience a sense of relief, pleasure or satisfaction after hair pulling
• Most people with this condition also have problems with anxiety, poor self-image or depression
• Repeated attempts to stop the hair pulling

What causes Trichotillomania?

The cause of this condition is unclear but it probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors or abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine. Trichotillomania can impact one's quality of life and can also cause medical problems.

If you have any symptoms of Trichotillomania, it is important you seek help immediately!