Hair Pulling Known as Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is currently classified as an impulse control disorder.  In a single individual with trichotillomania there is can be a variety of methods and reasons for pulling.

Trichotillomania at times seems like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder the person has the feelings of compulsion and repetitive behavior, but the two disorders have different symptoms and require different treatments. Trichotillomania may also resemble a tic disorder, as the action of pulling feels automatic and is there is an uncomfortable sensation that must be relieved.

It is also possible that hair pulling may have different causes. In some cases, people with trichotillomania also have other disorders such as depression or anxiety. The risk of developing trichotillomania is slightly higher in people who have relatives with the disorder, suggesting that a tendency for the disorder may be inherited.

It is known that people with trichotillomania generally have a tendency to pull their hair as a soothing mechanism. The behavior is a coping mechanism for anxiety and other difficult emotions. It does not hurt and they are not trying to damage themselves. It can be found in children as young as one year old.  The onset can be triggered by incidents such as itchy eyelashes, or by stress of life experiences, and it can occur quite suddenly.

The treatment of trichotillomania is diverse. There is also a strong possibility that there is more than one type of trichotillomania, and that different forms will respond to different treatments.

Drug therapy, either alone or in combined with cognitive behavior therapy proves to be beneficial. Many experience a reduction of the urge to pull, and some have experienced a complete end to the hair pulling. It is often temporary with relapses; and the results are mixed.