Trichotillomania/ Hair Pulling Disorder

Trichotillomania , also called hair-pulling disorder, is a mental health disorder that involves repeated and compulsive unconscious urges to pull out one's' own hair.This condition falls under the classification of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).When this issue becomes severe,it creates negative effects on the person''s social and Physical well-being. Trichotillomania comes from Greek words:Tricho: hair,Tillo: pull and Mania: excessive behavior or activity.

Whom does it affect?

Trichotillomania is especially common in every age group and more common in womens.Major cause of Trichotillomania is stress and trauma, in most cases it is developed as a coping mechanism to a stressful event. In children and adolescents trauma related with any psychological or physiological insident or stress related to academics may provoke Trichotillomania On the other hand in adults, their work stress and childhood trauma becomes the main cause for Trichotillomania.

Symptoms of Trichotillomania

� Repeated pulling out of our own hair

� An increasing sense of tension before pulling, or when you try to resist pulling

� A sense of pleasure after the hair is pulled

� Biting, chewing or eating pulled-out hair

�Playing with pulled-out hair or rubbing it across your lips or face.

When to see a mental health professional ?

If you can't stop pulling out your hair and notices above mentioned symptoms it is essential to see a mental health professional.

How is it treated?

Treatment of Trichotillomania includes psychotherapy and medication.Habit reversal training methods are the most useful psychotherapy method for treating Trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania/ Hair Pulling Disorder