Trichotillomania is a behavior related to Tourette's syndrome that is exasperated by stress. Some people that suffer from trichotillomania are very aware of the problem while others perform the ritual without realizing it. Regardless of the level of focus, controlling trichotillomania requires hard work.
What is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is the compulsive pulling of hair. According to the Mayo Clinic, the majority of people who suffer from this condition pull hair from their head, particularly the crown. "Friar Tuck's sign" is the term used for a balding area on the top of the head that is the result of hair pulling. The sufferer may also pull hair from the eyebrows, eyelashes or other parts of the body. Some people feel a mild urge to pull their hair while others experience an overwhelming need to do so.
What Causes It?
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that approximately 4 percent of the population suffers from trichotillomania, with the disorder much more common in women than in men. The Mayo Clinic reports that there are several reasons someone may develop trichotillomania. There is a genetic link to the disorder, and the same gene responsible for trichotillomania is responsible for Tourette's syndrome. The Mayo Clinic also reports that some sufferers may have an imbalance in the levels of serotonin and dopamine in their bodies. UMMC has also found that people who suffer from trichotillomania may also suffer from other self-harming disorders.
How is Trichotillomania Treated?
Doctors don't fully understand the reason for trichotillomania, so treatment is difficult. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that a combination of behavior therapy and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may improve the symptoms of trichotillomania. The hair pulling is a type of compulsive behavior and it may return or increase with stress.
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