Trichotillomania is a disorder characterized by an irresistible desire to pull hair from the head and other hairy areas in the body, such as the eyebrows. This condition can leave patients with patches of hairless spots. Trichotillomania is sometimes called trich, hair-pulling disorder and pulling. This disorder can be psychologically distressing for patients and can range from mild to extreme cases.
Symptoms
Symptoms of trichtillomania include the inability to stop pulling hair, increased stress prior to pulling hair and satisfaction, relaxation or relief gained by pulling hair. Hair loss is easily recognized, and the disorder causes disruption to daily activities. According to the Mayo Clinic, characteristics of the disorder include missing eyelashes and eyebrows and eating, chewing or playing with unattached hair. Suffers of trichotillomania may have a bald spot on the crown with hair surrounding the area. Trichotillomania patients typically pull hair with their hands but have also been known to use combs, brushes or tweezers.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, trichotillomania causes are still being studied, but probable reasons include genetic mutations similar to those involved in Tourette syndrome, a disorder involving involuntary movements and sounds, and neurochemical imbalances, specifically an imbalance of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
Risk Factors
Genetics, a stressful event around age 12, bothersome hair color or texture, increased sense of stress or negative psychological feelings, and positive sensations from the feel of hair against the skin are some of the risk factors for trichotillomania. This disorder is more likely to occur among females than males.
Diagnosis
The Trichotillomania Learning Center states the disorder usually begins around age 11 to 12, but has been seen in children as young as 1. In order to diagnosis trichotillomania, a health care provider may perform biopsies of the skin and hair to determine how damage occurred. Often, health care providers will refer trichotillomania suffers for psychological consultations with a mental health practitioner. A positive diagnosis of trichotillomania must meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a guide for diagnosing mental illnesses.
Treatment
According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment for trichotillomania includes psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants. The two treatments used together produce the best results. The Trichotillomania Learning Center also suggests treatment options of support groups and alternative therapies such as diet changes, yoga and spiritual and herbal remedies.
Complications
Potential complications of trichotillomania include hair loss, carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of continuous hand motions, ingestion of hair balls from chewing hair and lifestyle limitations due to shame and emotional upset.
Member Comments