Trichotillomania, often referred to as hair-pulling disorder, is a mental health condition marked by a compulsive urge to pull out one's hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss. Classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the DSM-5, trichotillomania manifests through persistent hair pulling that leads to significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.
Individuals with trichotillomania frequently target hair on their scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other parts of the body. The disorder typically begins in late childhood or early adolescence and can vary in its course, being either chronic or episodic. The exact cause of trichotillomania remains unclear, though it is believed to involve a complex interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors.
Treatment for trichotillomania often includes cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), particularly habit-reversal training, which helps individuals recognise and change their hair-pulling behaviours. In some cases, medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed to help manage the symptoms.
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