trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is the psychological condition where an individual has the irresistible urge to pull out hair from his or her own body or occasionally from other’s bodies. This impulse is often described as overwhelming and is a far more common condition than previously thought. Trichotillomania is believed to affect up to 2% of the population, and the majority of sufferers are females. Understanding the condition suggests it is caused by a combination of different factors. These factors include genetic predisposition, chemical abnormalities in the brain and can be triggered by significant life events. Certain life events such as an emotional or sexual abuse, bullying, divorce or death of a loved one can trigger the onset of trichotillomania.

Origin of the Term Trichotillomania

The term trichotillomania comes from the Greek words trich = hair, till = pull and mania = madness. This term was first used in 1889 by a French dermatologist Hallopeau after encountering a young male patient who tore out every hair on his body in response to an intense itch.

Possible Causes of Trichotillomania

It is believed that almost half of individuals will pull out their hair at some stage of their life. Trichotillomania belongs to a group of impulse control disorders and is neurobiologically based. Pulling out hair may provide a short-term distraction from unwanted emotions such as depression, anxiety, dependency or anger. Trichotillomania sufferers experience temporary relief from these unpleasant emotions, but the hair pulling can fuel a new cycle of these unwanted emotions, along with new emotions of shame and guilt for pulling out their hair. This creates a vicious cycle that makes curing trichotillomania very difficult.

Treatment for Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania can be cured through intense psychotherapy and other various forms of adjunctive treatment such as anti-depressant use and hypnotherapy. Individuals who suffer from trichotillomania often hide their disorder and are ashamed of pulling hair. It typically takes many years for sufferers to admit their problem and seek treatment for their compulsive hair puling.