Trichotillomania: habit of pulling hair unconsciously & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania or hair pulling disorder is a condition that causes the sufferer to compulsively pull hair from any part where the hair grows, from the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. Even though people with this disorder know the consequences, they cannot resist the urge. They may pull their hair when feeling stressed as a way to calm down. As a result, the scalp will experience baldness which is likely to affect the patient's appearance and their work function.

How common is trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania used to be considered a rare condition. However, the widespread spread was gradually becoming known. According to results conducted from one US study, 1-2% of the students surveyed had a history of or are currently suffering from trichotillomania. This can affect patients at any age. Of all the children, women and men were equal in number. However in adulthood, women are much more likely to have this condition than men. This can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of trichotillomania?

Common symptoms of trichotillomania can include:

• You repeatedly pull your hair from your scalp, eyebrows or lashes and other parts of your body.
• You may go to great lengths to stop yourself from pulling your hair but can't resist.
• You usually feel happy or relieved after the hair is pulled.
• Shorter, thinning or bald hair on your scalp or other areas of your body, including sparse or missing eyelashes or eyebrows
• You face stress or mental problems at work or social life because you pull your hair.
• You notice baldness where the hair has been pulled out.
• You notice some strange behavior such as checking hair follicles, twirling hair, pulling hair between teeth, chewing hair, or eating hair.

Most people who have trichotillomania also pull on their skin, bite their nails, or chew their lips. Sometimes pulling hair from pets, dolls, or from furry materials such as clothes or blankets is also a sign. Most people with trichotillomania pull hair when alone and generally try to hide the disorder from others.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should check with your doctor if you pull your hair unconsciously or if you see your child doing it. By watching your behavior and examining the areas where hair is missing, your doctor will check for causes of hair pulling disorders such as skin infections.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes trichotillomania?

The causes of trichotillomania are still not clear, but there are several opinions. Some experts think hair pulling is a type of addiction. As you start to feel good pulling your hair, you may gradually form a habit. Trichotillomania can also be a reflection of mental health problems. According to psychological research, hair pulling may be a way to release stress or anxiety. In some cases, trichotillomania may be a form of self-harm, in which people intentionally injure themselves as a way to seek temporary relief from emotional distress.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for trichotillomania?

There are many risk factors for trichotillomania, such as:

• Family history: genetics may play a role in the development of trichotillomania, and the disorder can occur in those with close relatives with the disorder.
• AgeTrichotillomania usually develops before or during puberty generally at ages 11 to 13 and may be a lifelong problem. Babies can also be prone to pulling hair, but this is usually mild and goes away on its own without treatment.
• Negative emotions: for many trichotillomania sufferers, hair pulling is a way of dealing with negative or uncomfortable feelings, such as stress, anxiety, tension, loneliness, fatigue or frustration.
• Positive reinforcement: trichotillomania sufferers often find hair pulling satisfying and providing a feeling of relief. As a result, they keep pulling their hair to maintain this positive feeling.
• Another distraction: trichotillomania sufferers may also have other disorders, such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is trichotillomania diagnosed?

When you consult a doctor, the doctor will:

• Check your hair loss amount
• Discuss your hair loss condition and possibly ask you to fill out a questionnaire
• Eliminate other possible causes of hair pulling or hair loss through the tests prescribed by your doctor

According to the Anxiety Disorders Charity, the diagnostic criteria for trichotillomania are:

• The presence of tugging of hair in any part of the body is accompanied by a push or feeling of tension before pulling the hair
• Pulling hair gives a feeling of relief, pleasure
• The "itching" feeling is relieved by pulling on the hair
• Significant anxiety or decline in social, work aspects

What are the treatments for trichotillomania?

For some people, trichotillomania may be mild and generally treatable. For others, the compulsive urge to pull hair is overwhelming. Several treatment options have helped many people reduce the habit or quit altogether.

Psychological therapy to change your hair-pulling behavior is the most effective method of treating trichotillomania. With this approach, trichotillomania sufferers will first learn to identify when and where they have the urge to pull hair. They also learn to relax and do some other activity that won't hurt them, as a way to help relieve tension when they feel the urge to pull their hair. This must also be combined with emotional support.

SSRI antidepressant drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) is used to treat other psychological health conditions, such as depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), reported to be effective in the treatment of trichotillomania.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat trichotillomania?

Because these are spontaneous symptoms, there is no proven way to prevent trichotillomania. However, checking for potential behaviors and getting treatment as early as possible when symptoms begin can help. It's also a good idea to learn stress management because stress often triggers hair-pulling behavior. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.