Trichotillomania, otherwise known as hair pulling disorder, is an impulse control disorder that causes a long time urge to pull out one’s hair. This disorder affects more women than men and typically starts in childhood. Those who suffer from trichotillomania often pull hair from their scalp, but sometimes from other places such as eyebrows, eyelashes, or arms. Read below to learn about this disorder, its causes, and possible treatment.
Causes
One of the common causes of hair pulling disorder is your family history. This disorder is often passed down through generations. Age is another contributing factor, as the disorder typically manifests itself somewhere between ages 10 and 13. However, it is typically a lifelong disorder. Other OCD related disorders can contribute to trichotillomania, as this disorder can often accompany OCD. Causes of individual episodes of this disorder typically include anxiety and stress.
Symptoms
When a person has trichotillomania, they will compulsively pull out hair, typically from the scalp. Usually, a person will pull only one hair at a time, and each episode can last for hours. This pulling will lead to unusual patterns of hair loss that do not match natural patterns. Sometimes those who suffer from trichotillomania will attempt to hide their disorder out of embarrassment. This behavior can lead to low self-esteem and fear of socializing. However, if you suffer from trichotillomania, it’s important to know that you are not alone and that there are steps that can be taken to control it.
Treatment
Although trichotillomania can be a lifelong disorder, there are steps that can be taken to control and even stop the behavior. Habit reversal training can be an effective treatment to control the impulse. Cognitive behavior therapy coupled with habit reversal training is often useful in getting to the root of the impulse. This strategy is especially effective in treating children, whose habits are not as fully developed.
Often times people who suffer from trichotillomania need an immediate solution for their hair loss while seeking help for a long-term habit change. Common treatments for the hair loss caused by hair pulling disorder include types of hair restoration such as wigs and other non-surgical procedures. These hair loss treatment solutions often provide those who suffer from trichotillomania a newfound confidence in their appearance.
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Now you can stop thinking about the hair you’ve lost and start imagining the hair you can have. We encourage you to call or get in touch with us today to schedule a free, confidential hair and scalp evaluation and get all your hair loss questions answered completely and fully.
