What is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is the clinical name for compulsive hair pulling.  The hair may be pulled from anywhere on the body but the most common spots include the head, eyelashes, eyebrows and pubic area. The hair pulling can lead to various degrees of hair loss ranging from thinning to complete baldness.  Individuals with trichotillomania usually report the hair loss as the most upsetting part of their disorder in that they spend significant time trying to cover up their hair loss with different hairstyles, hats, and makeup.

Before pulling their hair, individuals with trichotillomania usually feel a buildup of tension, anxiety, or discomfort.  After pulling, they usually feel some sort of sense of relief or gratification.  Many individuals describe it like an "itch that needs to be scratched".

How is Trichotillomania treated?

Several different techniques are used to treat trichotillomania.  Individuals with trichotillomania often report that they are not always conscious of their hair pulling. Self-monitoring techniques are used to help increase awareness of the behavior and monitor progress in treatment. A type of cognitive-behavioral treatment called habit reversal is used to directly address the hair pulling behavior.  Patients are taught a set of competing responses, preventive behaviors, and self-control techniques to stop themselves from pulling.  Therapy also focuses on identifying situations and triggers that precede the pulling to help the patient avert these episodes. General stress management and anxiety reducing skills are also used to help decrease the urge to pull.

Trichotillomania Links

 Trichotillomania Learning Center - More information about Trichotillomania with many helpful links