Trichotillomania: The Strange Obsession With Pulling Out One’s Hair
The trichotillomania is a rare disorder characterized by the irresistible urge to pull one’s hair, usually the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
Although individuals who suffer from this pathology are aware of the damage they can do by acting in this way, they are unable to stop or control this impulse. Furthermore, it is common for these individuals in times of stress to try to pull out their hair as a way to calm themselves, resulting in a vicious circle that can cause greater damage, both physically and psychologically.
This condition It usually appears around the age of 13 and is officially classified as an impulse control disorder.just like pyromania, kleptomania or pathological gambling. It is also closely linked to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, since they share many of the symptoms and maladjusted psychological mechanisms.
It has a prevalence of 1% of the population and affects men as well as women, although the latter more frequently seek treatment.
Symptoms
Trichotillomania It is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms:
Warning signs
The beginning of this disorder occurs around the age of 13, although in some cases it can begin earlier. Frequently, a stressful event can be associated with this pathology, for example, changing schools, abuse, family conflicts or the death of someone close can generate anxiety and nervousness and cause the onset of this disorder.
Some experts claim that the symptoms may be caused, or at least strongly influenced, by the hormonal changes typical of puberty.
Adolescence is a critical stage for the development of self-esteem, body image, self-confidence, or intimate relationships. During this period, people who suffer from this pathology may be ridiculed by their own family, friends or classmates. But, in addition, these people may feel great guilt or shame for not being able to stop this type of behavior. Even a small patch of hairlessness can cause serious emotional problems for the person suffering from this condition.
In many cases, people who suffer from trichotillomania manage to lead a normal life: get married, have children… But in some cases, There are individuals who avoid intimate relationships for fear of exposing their disorder.
There is no specific cause for trichotillomania. Although some researchers think that it is possible that at a biological level there is a neurochemical imbalance at the brain level, mainly a serotonin deficit. There may also be a combination of factors such as genetic predisposition and a stress or aggravating circumstance. For example, a traumatic event.
Comorbidity (associated disorders)
It is common for people with trichotillomania to show symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) such as counting or washing their hands. In fact, there are many similarities between trichotillomania and OCD, so Some experts consider it a subtype of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder..
Depressive disorder also frequently occurs along with trichotillomania. There may be a direct relationship between the neurotransmitters involved in depression and this condition (and also OCD), since both pathologies are associated with low levels of serotonin. Although there could also be a relationship between depression and low self-esteem caused by trichotillomania, because pulling out your hair can be demoralizing. On the other hand, When hair is pulled out, wounds can arise that cause physical and emotional pain..
Trichotillomania can be treated in two ways, according to research conducted in this field.
1. Psychotherapy
On the one hand, cognitive behavioral therapy is shown to be very effective. On the other hand, and in some serious cases, the administration of drugs is necessary. However, the ideal is a combination of both treatments.
With cognitive behavioral therapy, Patients learn to identify and manage symptoms and employ strategies that help them improve their quality of life.. You can learn more about this type of therapy in our article: “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: what is it and what principles is it based on?”
2. Pharmacology
Medication can also be effective in treating symptoms, although for long-term results, cognitive behavioral therapy is necessary. Some medications (antidepressants or mood stabilizers) used to treat this pathology are:
Trichotillomania It is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms:
