Trichotillomania
What is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is a condition where a person has an irresistible urge to pull out their own hair. This can happen on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or any other part of the body with hair. People with trichotillomania often feel a sense of relief or pleasure after pulling out their hair, but they may also feel embarrassed or ashamed about their behavior.
Diagnosing Trichotillomania
Diagnosing trichotillomania involves a careful evaluation by a healthcare professional. They will ask about your hair-pulling habits, how long you have been experiencing them, and any emotional distress it may be causing. It is important to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing hair loss. A diagnosis of trichotillomania is made when the hair-pulling behavior is recurrent, causes significant distress, and is not due to another medical condition.
Treating Trichotillomania
Treating trichotillomania usually involves a combination of therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often recommended, which helps individuals identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to hair-pulling. Habit reversal training is another effective therapy that teaches individuals to replace hair-pulling with healthier behaviors. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage any underlying anxiety or depression that may be contributing to the hair-pulling.
Preventing Trichotillomania
While there is no surefire way to prevent trichotillomania, there are some strategies that may help. Finding healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as through exercise or relaxation techniques, can be beneficial. Identifying triggers for hair-pulling and finding alternative activities to engage in can also help. It is important to seek support from friends, family, or a healthcare professional if you or someone you know is struggling with trichotillomania.
What is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is a condition where a person has an irresistible urge to pull out their own hair. This can happen on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or any other part of the body with hair. People with trichotillomania often feel a sense of relief or pleasure after pulling out their hair, but they may also feel embarrassed or ashamed about their behavior.
Diagnosing Trichotillomania
Diagnosing trichotillomania involves a careful evaluation by a healthcare professional. They will ask about your hair-pulling habits, how long you have been experiencing them, and any emotional distress it may be causing. It is important to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing hair loss. A diagnosis of trichotillomania is made when the hair-pulling behavior is recurrent, causes significant distress, and is not due to another medical condition.
Treating Trichotillomania
Treating trichotillomania usually involves a combination of therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often recommended, which helps individuals identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to hair-pulling. Habit reversal training is another effective therapy that teaches individuals to replace hair-pulling with healthier behaviors. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage any underlying anxiety or depression that may be contributing to the hair-pulling.
Preventing Trichotillomania
While there is no surefire way to prevent trichotillomania, there are some strategies that may help. Finding healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as through exercise or relaxation techniques, can be beneficial. Identifying triggers for hair-pulling and finding alternative activities to engage in can also help. It is important to seek support from friends, family, or a healthcare professional if you or someone you know is struggling with trichotillomania.
Symptom list:
Trichotillomania

Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.

Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
