REAL Exclusive Magazine

The Quiet Disorder

By Sheila Venancia

Trichotillomania, also known as trichotillosis or hair pulling disorder, is an obsessive compulsive disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one’s hair, leading to hair loss and balding, distress, and social or functional impairment.

Trichotillomania may be present in infants or can begin in a person’s senior years, but the peak age of onset is typically between the ages of 9 to 17. It may be triggered by depression or stress. Owing to social implications, the disorder is often unreported and it is difficult to accurately predict its prevalence; the lifetime prevalence is estimated to be between 0.6% and 4.0% of the overall population. Common areas for hair to be pulled out are the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, legs, arms, hands, nose and the pubic areas.

Besides repeated hair pulling, other symptoms may include:

• Feeling tense before pulling hair or when trying to resist the urge to pull hair.
• Feeling relieved, satisfied, or pleased after acting on the impulse to pull hair.
• Distress or problems in work or social life due to hair pulling.
• Bare patches where the hair has been pulled out.
• Behaviors such as inspecting the hair root, twirling the hair, pulling the hair between the teeth, chewing on hair, or eating hair.

What causes trichotillomania?

The exact cause of trichotillomania isn’t known. It may be related to abnormalities in brain pathways that link areas involved in emotional regulation, movement, habit formation, and impulse control. Some people with trichotillomania may also have depression or anxiety. Trichotillomania is slightly more likely if it runs in your family.

How is trichotillomania diagnosed?

Trichotillomania is diagnosed based on the presence of its signs and symptoms. There is no specific test for it. Most people with this disorder also have problems with feeling sad or depressed, anxiety and poor self image. A doctor might refer someone who has symptoms of trichotillomania to a psychiatrist or psychologist, who can interview the person and see if they might have an impulse control disorder.

What complications are associated with trichotillomania?

Infection, skin damage, and permanent hair loss are possible complications of trichotillomania. The hair loss and skin damage can lead to problems with self-esteem and body image. In extreme cases, some people might avoid social situations in order to hide the hair loss.

Can trichotillomania be prevented?

There is no proven way to prevent trichotillomania, but getting treatment as soon as symptoms start can be a big help. Learning stress management is also a good idea, since stress often triggers the hair-pulling behavior.

How is trichotillomania treated?

Little medical research has been conducted into treatments for trichotillomania. The most effective treatment is psychotherapy to change the hair-pulling behavior, combined with a network of emotional support. Psychotherapy is a type of talking therapy that can be used to treat emotional problems and mental health conditions. It involves discussing emotional issues with a trained therapist. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that may be recommended. It helps you manage your problems by changing how you think and act.

Treatment will often also involve various types of behavioral therapy, also known as habit-reversal therapy. As a hair stylist, I have suggested to clients who had this disorder to pick their hair from a hair brush instead of their body.

In summary, trichotillomania is a multi-faceted disorder. There is no single treatment that can address all the issues associated with this disorder. If you think you, or someone you know, suffers from trichotillomania, please seek the services of a professional medical doctor or mental health counselor.

Sheila Venancia International Hair Stylist – (941) 822.2152

Sheila Venancia has over a decade of distinguished international experience. Originally from Brazil, she trained with leading international hair professionals in London, Spain, Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, Sheila rose among the top-ranking hair and makeup artists, catapulting her into the celebrity arena. Sheila’s work has been featured on Brazilian television shows, newspapers and magazines. Her specialties are non-toxic Japanese hair straightening, laser hair extensions, and high-end modern styling. Sheila may be reached at (941) 822.2152 or sheilasvs@hotmail.com.

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