Trichotillomania is a compulsive behavior disorder in which people pull out their own hair. Trichotillomania--also called trich and hair-pulling disease--has only been recognized as a medical condition since the 1980s. As many as 4 percent of people in the United States might be affected, with females developing trich about four times more often than men, according to MedlinePlus.
Age of Onset
The majority of cases of trichotillomania first develop during childhood or adolescence, according to MedlinePlus. It most commonly develops when kids are 12 or 13 years old, but parents might notice symptoms in very young children as well. In some cases, kids might develop trichotillomania in response to a traumatic or stressful event, such as death of a loved one or parents' divorce. The onset of puberty causes the condition to develop, Mental Health America reports.
Symptoms
Children with trichotillomania pull their own hair out. This can include the hair on their heads or elsewhere on the body, such as eyebrows, eyelashes and arms. Children often pull their hair out in secret, but parents often notice signs such as bald patches, an uneven hair appearance and spots of patchy hair regrowth, according to MedlinePlus. Kids with the condition might seem to be constantly playing with or twisting their hair. Some kids will eat the hair, which can cause intestinal blockages. When confronted by parents or caregivers, children will often deny they pull their hair out.
Cause
No definitive cause for trichotillomania has been determined. Some research suggests a genetic link might exist, and people who are genetically predisposed who then experience a traumatic event can develop trichotillomania. More research is necessary before the cause of the condition is fully understood.
Treatment
Treatment for trichotillomania doesn't follow a standard course, but medications and psychotherapy are often helpful. Prescription antidepressants are sometimes recommended, but usually in conjunction with cognitive behavior therapy, according to MayoClinic.com. The goal of cognitive behavior therapy is to help the child become aware of the problematic behaviors as well as what is triggering them. Some children might also work with a therapist to find other acceptable impulses instead of hair-pulling.
Prognosis
Children who develop trichotillomania typically outgrow the condition before adulthood. In fact, most cases will resolve within one year of when symptoms develop, MedlinePlus reports. Children who develop trichotillomania before the age of 6 typically have the best outcomes, with no further episodes once it resolves. However, some children will continue to struggle with the urge to pull out their hair, although medical and psychological treatment can help treat the condition in check.
