Trichotillomania is an impulse control mental health condition that involves pulling out one’s own hair, according to Mental Health America. People with trichotillomania most commonly pull their eyelashes, eyebrow hair and scalp hair out, but they may also pull out hair from other areas of the body. Around 1-2% of teenagers and adults have trichotillomania.
Risk Factors
More females have trichotillomania than males. People with trichotillomania most commonly start showing signs of the condition between 9 and 13 years of age.
Trichotillomania shares many characteristics with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). People with OCD may be more likely to develop trichotillomania. Those with other body-focused mental health conditions, such as excoriation (skin-picking disorder), may also be more likely to develop trichotillomania.
Though the exact origin of trichotillomania may be unknown, sometimes there is a genetic component.
People are most likely to develop trichotillomania if they experience anxiety, depression or stress related to a traumatic event. For example, they could be affected by a loved one passing away, family conflict or abuse. Meanwhile, some people develop trichotillomania due to boredom.
Symptoms and Effects
People with trichotillomania repetitively pull out their hair, which can lead to noticeable hair loss. They might try to resist the urge but are unable to stop the behavior. They may feel tense, anxious or stressed before pulling out their hair, but once the hair comes out, they may feel relief or happiness.
People with trichotillomania may have certain areas where they tend to pull out hair, so they may not pull hair out all over their body. An episode can last seconds up to hours.
After pulling out a strand or clump of hair, some people with trichotillomania may roll the hair between their fingers, or they may bite or swallow the hair.
As a result of the condition, people with trichotillomania may have occupational or social difficulties. They may want to avoid public situations, and they may have trouble at school or work. People with trichotillomania may feel ashamed or embarrassed of their condition.
Treatment
Trichotillomania can be effectively managed with treatment. Without effective treatment, trichotillomania may persist or recur throughout life. Treatment can include therapy and/or medications.
Therapy can help people with trichotillomania track their symptoms and behaviors leading up to hair pulling. People with trichotillomania can work with their therapist to determine actions that can replace hair pulling.
Although there is currently no FDA-approved medication specifically for the treatment of trichotillomania, medication for anxiety, depression, OCD or other mental health conditions can be used to help people with trichotillomania manage their symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), clomipramine or N-acetylcysteine might be prescribed to manage trichotillomania.
UofL Health is Here for You
UofL Health – Peace Hospital provides treatment for patients of all ages with behavioral, psychiatric and substance use disorders, as well as integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders. For a no-charge, 24/7 level-of-care assessment, walk into the Peace Hospital Assessment and Referral Center. For more information, call 502-451-3333.
