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hair pulling

Pulling out one’s hair can be a common phrase for a behavior resulting from a stressful or frustrating situation. It is also a common behavior for millions of individuals who suffer from a psychological condition in which they are unable to stop pulling out their hair, literally.

Origins of Hair Pulling

Pulling out hair includes hair on the head, eyebrows, eyelashes, even pubic hair. Hair pulling is seen as a response to feelings of anxiety or depression and is used as a self-soothing activity. Many individuals who pull out their hair suffer from mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety related disorders. Individuals who pull out their hair are seen to have a chemical imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in their brain. Stressful life events are seen to be the main trigger for the onset of hair pulling behavior. The act of hair pulling is described to be irresistible and a feeling of relief follows the hair pulling.

Treatment of Hair Pulling

The clinical term for hair pulling is Trichotillomania, and is commonly treated with a variety of modalities, such as anti-depressant medication, psychotherapy and hypnosis. Many individuals who suffer from hair pulling have guilt and shame from their hair pulling and hide their disorder from others. This results in a delay of treatment from the onset of hair pulling and often results in a prolonged recovery process.

Demographics of Hair pulling

Hair pulling is common in adults and children, with the mean age of onset between 8-12 years of age. Hair pulling is more easily cured in childhood than in adulthood, as many children who suffer from hair pulling “outgrow” the behavior.
Hair pulling is a common disorder and should be treated by a professional. Individuals who pull hair should not feel ashamed by their behavior. It is significant that individuals who pull hair seek treatment as soon as possible to ensure a quicker recovery.