Have your ever heard of , or used the phrase, "I'm pulling my hair out"? This is an old idiom to express frustration, deep levels of stress, and anxiety. While most people who use this phrase do not actually pull their own hair out, there are indeed some people that do. This is a mental health condition/hair pulling disorder known as Trichotillomania, formed from the Greek words Tricho (Hair), Tillo (Pull), Mania (Excessive behavior or activity).
Trichotillomania, or TTM, falls under the classification of obsessive-compulsive disorder (Cleveland Clinic). This condition entails frequently and repeatedly pulling out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other parts of the body. This results in patchy bald spots, and can negatively affect the confidence as it relates to functioning at work, school, and the rest of one's social life (Mayo Clinic). The impulse to pull out the hair can range from mild to almost impossible to resist. Thankfully, this condition can be managed with treatment.
People with TTM tend to pull out hair from the same area over time. They often feel rewarded, relieved, or other positive emotions when they pull their hair out. This condition is common in young children, and can be seen as an act of self-soothing. Children tend to grow out of this behavior. However, in teenagers, adolescents, and adults, this is a more serious condition with long term affects. Amongst children, males and females are equally affected, while in adults, females outnumber males 9 to 1. Overall, TTM is not a very common condition (
Cleveland Clinic).
There is no distinct cause of if trichotillomania, but it could likely be a "combination of genetic and learned behaviors" (
Mayo Clinic). Other risk factors are stress, anxiety, boredom, and other health conditions that may trigger TTM. Trichotillomania can be automatic when engaging in low energy hobbies like reading or watching television. It can also be more focused and intentional, "pulling just the right hair...too relieve tension and distress" (
Mayo Clinic) Along with pulling out hair, approximately 20% of people with trichotillomania also eat their own hair. This is known as
trichophagia. (Cleveland Clinic).
Eating hair can cause blockages in the gut from a large, indigestible hairball that is formed called a trichobezoar, leading to weight loss, vomiting, or death. If enough hair is built up in the digestive tract, is could require surgery to prevent or repair damage. Trichotillomania can be treated with a combination of therapy and medication like antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and nutraceuticals. If you are living with TTM, habit reversal therapy can help you become more aware of your behaviors and patterns. Group therapy can help with support from others living with the same condition. A dermatologist can treat affected skin areas and come up with solutions for regrowth, if the follicles are still in tact. In many cases, regrowth is not possible because of the damage that has been done. (Cleveland Clinic)
If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression, and notice that you cannot seem to stop pulling your hair out, please consider speaking with a health profession to receive the treatment(s) you need. You do not have to face this on your own.
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This is SOOOOO interesting!
ReplyDeleteHi Jontai, I am familiar with trichotillomania as one of my close friends had this affliction and would take it out on her brows. It can be a stressful experience for the individual. She ended up getting microblading done, which helped her confidence so much. Thanks for shining a light on this with some great information.
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you for writing this—it really helped me understand trichotillomania on a deeper level. I had no idea how common it could be or how much it can affect someone emotionally and physically. The part about trichophagia honestly surprised me—I didn’t realize it could lead to such serious health issues. I also appreciate how you pointed out the importance of therapy and support systems, especially habit reversal training. It’s so important to spread awareness and reduce the shame around things like this. You explained it all in a really clear, thoughtful way. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI never knew there was an actual condition for pulling hair. I’m glad to now be informed that this condition of hair pulling is called Trichotillomania and that it is classified as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. I have a family member that does this in times of great stress and I will be telling her about this to see if we can get her some help to manage her stress besides pulling out her hair. Thank you for this information.
ReplyDeleteI know about this disease because I personally have suffered from it for many years. It has no doubt been a factor in my lack of self esteem and confidence over the years due to the fact that my "area" is my eyes lashes. Over the years and especially now more than ever, eye lashes are a form of beauty and for me, I have no been able to afford that luxury . My eyes are extremely sensitive and I wear eye liner 24/7 to conceal the lack of lashes. I have a hard time looking people in the eye and sometimes the mirror. However, this is what propelled me into the beauty world and helping other people. I love making other people feel beautiful no matter what they look like. I use my TTM to help others when it effects me mentally. It is a hard struggle which is very hard to treat and stay treated. Thank you for posting and bringing light to a very sensitive subject and allowing a place for me to speak my truth without shame :)
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