subject: Trichotillomania [print this page] Trichotillomania, also known is Trich, is a compulsive disorder which compels people to physically pull out their hair, including hair on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair, etc. This can be done consciously or in sleep which is known as Sleep-Isolated Trichotillomania. Often mistaken for a manic madness, Trichotillomania is a disorder affecting between 1-3% of people more prevalent in women than men and usually starting at roughly 12 years of age but common in those of all ages, the effects of pulling the hair can vary from virtually unnoticeable to complete hair loss.
It can be hard to understand the psychological aspect of Trichotillomania, but it is best explained as an uncontrollable urge to pull at specific areas of hair. This is triggered and made more severe at certain times, for example high stress, fatigue, hunger and boredom; however, Trich cannot be mistaken for self-harm, as most of the time, hair pulling is not done to induce pain it is actually done for the opposite reason those doing so feel comfort; pulling hair seems like a good way to release positive hormones in the brain.
As Trich is a subconscious habit, it can often become fixed in the brain, making it extremely difficult to break away from. Similar to when one attempts to stop smoking, the brain processes the addiction to pull hair in the same way. There is a very negative psychological outcome of Trich, resulting in people feeling self-blame, disappointment and despair completely misbalancing the initial positive expectations from pulling hair.
It would be very simple to wrongly diagnose people with Trich, which is why the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders state that these 5 criteria must be prevalent:
1. Consistent plucking of the hair causing noticeable areas of hair loss
2. Tension or anxiety being increased immediately before plucking, followed by: 3. Relief or reduction in tension after the hair is pulled4. No other reasonable mental or medical explanation for the action5. Significant distress or reduction of a social life, work life, etc.As Trichotillomania is more of a physiological disorder, there are both physical and mental symptoms. The physical symptoms range from irregular patches of hair loss, to eye infections (found in those who pull out eyelashes). Some more physical symptoms include scalp sores, ingrown hairs and uneven lengths of hair. The disorder also has emotional symptoms, such as low self-esteem and shyness, causing avoidance of some social activities and a difficulty to express feelings. Some more emotional symptoms include an increased obsession with appearance and a reluctance to have the hair cut or styled, as sufferers like to have control over their hair.While it is not definite, there have been links between Trich and some other health problems, mainly Dermatillomania skin picking, anxiety, OCD, drug abuse, eating disorders and depression. Trichotillomania is one of many hair loss disorders a wide umbrella of conditions causing thinning or shedding hair, but most, if not all hair loss conditions are likely to result in emotional strains too. There is a positive outcome investing in a non-surgically attached hair piece is an ethical, subtle solution which works towards more positive emotional outcomes.by: Daniella Clowd
