What is definition of Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) in Mental Health Conditions?
Trichotillomania, commonly known as hair-pulling disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by the recurring urge to pull out one’s hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss and distress in individuals. This disorder is categorized as an obsessive-compulsive and related disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
People with trichotillomania often experience tension or anxiety before pulling their hair, followed by relief, pleasure, or gratification after the act. Hair can be pulled from any area of the body, but the most common sites are the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. In some cases, individuals may also engage in other behaviors related to hair manipulation, such as biting, chewing, or eating the pulled-out hair (known as trichophagia).
Trichotillomania can lead to significant distress and impacts various aspects of an individual’s life, including social and occupational functioning. It often starts in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can also occur in children, and the severity can vary among individuals.
Treatment for trichotillomania generally involves a combination of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These approaches aim to help individuals manage their urges, identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and address any underlying emotional issues that may contribute to the disorder.