Trichotillomania (trick-o-till-o-may-nee-uh), also known as “hair-pulling disorder,” is a psychological illness characterized by the repetitive pulling out of one’s hair. Trichotillomania is one of a class of disorders known as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), in which individuals pull, pick, scrape, or bite their hair, skin, or nails resulting in body damage.
Although (trichotillomania) is not commonly known, it’s one of the more common disorders in the world. According to researchers,0.5 to 2 percent of the world population has trichotillomania.
What Are The Causes Of Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is a biologically based disorder associated with abnormalities in the central nervous system, and recent research has suggested that it is significantly heritable. Some researchers believe it is related to regulating emotions or handling stress, but the exact cause has not yet been identified.
What Are The Symptoms Of Trichotillomania?
The following are the symptoms of trichotillomania:
Pulling out the eyelashes, eyebrows, or body hair.
Breaking off pieces of hair
An urge to eat pulled hair
Feeling relieved after pulling hair out
There is a lot of visible hair loss
Playing with pulled hair or rubbing it across the face and skin
Who Suffers From Trichotillomania?
Adolescents are the most common victims of this illness. This is because, during puberty, the human body goes through numerous hormone changes. Trichotillomania can also affect younger children, but this is uncommon.
When the sickness strikes during these formative years, both males and females are equally affected. The gender ratio subsequently shifts more towards females as victims fall into adulthood.
Impact and Effects of Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania can lead to depression, social anxiety, and other serious psychological problems. Most people who suffer from this disorder do not like disclosing it. They cover up the bald spots with scarves, wigs, and hats.
Although hair will not grow back where it has been pulled out, most victims are satisfied with the result after the initial pain or stress has passed and therefore do not seek treatment. There are no specific remedies for trichotillomania; however, clinical hypnosis has proven effective in many cases.
Conclusion
Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder in which the afflicted individual compulsively pulls out their hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss. This condition’s psychological and emotional effects can be devastating; if you think you may have trichotillomania, contact us today to consult with one of our professionals specializing in addiction and compulsive disorders. At Custom Hair Tampa Bay, our experts will evaluate your situation to help determine the next steps, including hair loss solutions or other available treatment options. We offer many hair replacement services, so don’t wait – get started on finding relief from this debilitating disorder today by clicking here.
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