Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania (pronounced: trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh), also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a mental disorder that involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body, despite trying to stop.
Etymology
The term "Trichotillomania" comes from the Greek words "trich" (hair), "till" (pull), and "mania" (madness or frenzy).
Symptoms
Symptoms of Trichotillomania include:
- Repeatedly pulling your hair out, typically from your scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes, but it can be from other body areas, and sites may vary over time.
- An increasing sense of tension before pulling, or when you try to resist pulling.
- A sense of relief or pleasure after the hair is pulled.
Causes
The exact cause of Trichotillomania is unknown, but like many complex disorders, it's probably due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some research suggests that abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may play a role in Trichotillomania.
Related Terms
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Trichotillomania is considered a type of this disorder.
- Body dysmorphic disorder: Some people with Trichotillomania also have this disorder.
- Self-harm: Trichotillomania can be a form of self-harm, where a person deliberately harms themselves to cope with emotional distress.
Treatment
Treatment for Trichotillomania most often includes a type of cognitive behavior therapy called habit reversal training. Medication can also be used.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trichotillomania
- Wikipedia's article - Trichotillomania
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