Overview
Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one’s hair, leading to hair loss and psychological distress.
Symptoms
Recurrent hair pulling from scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes Noticeable hair loss Difficulty controlling the urge Distress or social impairment Skin irritation or damage at the pulling sites
Causes
Genetic predisposition Psychological stress or anxiety Imbalance in brain chemicals Coexisting mental health conditions (OCD, depression)
Diagnosis
Clinical evaluation and patient history Observation of hair-pulling behavior Ruling out medical causes for hair loss
Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), especially Habit Reversal Training Medications for underlying anxiety or OCD Stress management techniques Support groups and counseling