hair pulling disorder

Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder that occurs when an individual pulls their hair out as a self-soothing mechanism. Trichotillomania is classified as an impulse control disorder in the DSM IV-TR or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. A classification of ‘disorder’ is defined as any behavior or activity that is interfering with an individual’s quality of life. Trichotillomania is seen to interfere with quality of life in that it causes shame and guilt in the sufferer, creates noticeable hair loss and is seen to be an outlet for underlying mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Classification of Disorder

Trichotillomania is classified as an impulse control disorder due to the irresistible impulse to pull out one’s hair. This urge is so irritable that sufferers will continue to pull out hair regardless of the potential consequences, of hair loss and physical harm. Trichotillomania is characterized by chronic, repetitive pulling of bodily hair and interferes with a person’s ability to function in day-to-day life.

Treatment of the Disorder

Trichotillomania is treated in a similar manner to other psychological disorders with the use of medications and psychotherapy. It is seen as a rare disorder and is commonly associated with a chemical imbalance of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, along with exposure to trauma or distress. This chemical imbalance along with life’s challenges causes a sufferer to pull out hair in order to self-soothe and self-medicate unwanted emotions. Trichotillomania has a high co-morbidity with other disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, attention deficit disorder and body dysmorphic disorder.
Individuals who suffer from the disorder of trichotillomania 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.
Trichotillomania is a rare psychological disorder and should be treated by a professional. Individuals with the disorder of trichotillomania should not feel ashamed by their behavior.