6 Important Things You Should Know If You Suffer From Hair Pulling Disorder

The compulsive need to pull out one's own hair, whether it be from the scalp, the eyebrows, or anywhere else on the body, is known as trichotillomania. When someone with trichotillomania pulls their hair out of their scalp, it may leave behind bald patches that they may go to great measures to cover up. One percent of women and one percent of men are estimated to satisfy the diagnostic criteria for trichotillomania. Although it may begin at any time, obsessive hair-pulling most often begins in early adolescence. Hair-pulling is a symptom of depression that may lead to social and occupational impairment. When you're in a jam, ripping your hair out may seem like the only option. However, this is a treatable illness with excellent outcomes. If you suffer from hair pulling disorder, here are 6 important things you should know.

What Causes It?

No one has yet pinned down a definitive reason for trichotillomania. Some individuals may be predisposed to it because of their genes. According to experts at Bfrb.org, anywhere between 1-2 of every 50 individuals may get hair-pulling conditions at some point. There's a chance the environment has a role, too. A 2016 research found that symptoms often manifest themselves between the ages of 10 and 13. Pulling off one's own hair is a common symptom since it relieves tension and anxiety. 

Many individuals tear their hair out subconsciously. When people realize they are ripping out their hair, it may amplify existing emotions of fear and shame. As a result, you may find yourself in a vicious cycle of shame, worry, and hair-pulling. In certain cases, mental health issues including OCD, anxiety, depression, autistic spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may coexist with trichotillomania, however, this is not always the case. 

What Are the Symptoms?

Trichotillomania can be defined as an overwhelming need or stress to pluck out one's hair. Some people get comfort from stress by pulling off their hair. Reducing stress and anxiety is one of the benefits people find in this disorder. Sometimes this occurs without them even realizing it. Stress or agitation might set off a round of hair-pulling. On the other hand, you could pull out your hair in a relaxed state while reading or watching TV. Hair pulling may be a visible cause of bald or thinning patches. A person experiencing hair loss may feel ashamed and embarrassed about their condition and may try to conceal it by hiding it, avoiding social situations, or even covering up bald spots with wigs, makeup, or headgear. Trichotillomania may have negative psychological, interpersonal, and bodily effects. Trichotillomania sufferers often struggle with emotional distress.

What Are the Risk Factors?

There are risk factors for developing trichotillomania, which doctors are aware of. Childhood trauma and family history are two of these influences. Having a first-degree relative (a parent or sibling) who suffers from trichotillomania increases a person's risk of developing the disorder. The National Organization for Rare Disorders adds that a history of childhood trauma may increase a person's susceptibility to developing trichotillomania. However, there is a lack of evidence to back up this theory.

How Is It Diagnosed?

The diagnosis process may include a visit to a psychiatrist (or a pediatric psychiatrist in the case of a kid). If the patient matches these four characteristics, then they have trichotillomania, according to the medical definition:

-the hair falls out because of the pulling,
-there's proof that they made an effort to cease,
-there is no other medical disease or ailment (like body dysmorphic disorder) that more adequately describes the patient's symptoms,
-significant suffering or stress is occurring as a result of the tugging.

It's not always easy to make a diagnosis. Some people who pull their hair out could even deny or cover up the habit.

What Is The Treatment?

The treatment for trichotillomania aims to reduce picking habits and is often established by a team of healthcare experts, which may include a primary care physician, dermatologist, psychiatrist, and clinical psychologist. Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder that causes compulsive hair pulling. At this time, there is no method that has been found to be the most effective in treating the disease; nonetheless, the treatment team will most likely decide to use a mix of behavioral therapy and prescribed drugs. Cases in children less than six years old often resolve on their own without the need for therapy.

Are There Any Complications?

Trichotillomania may have a significant detrimental influence on your life, despite its apparent lack of seriousness. One potential issue is emotional anguish. People who suffer from trichotillomania often express feelings of guilt, embarrassment, and shame. As a result, they may struggle with poor self-esteem, sadness, anxiety, and substance abuse. Wigs, hairstyles that conceal bald spots, and fake eyelashes are common accouterments for people with trichotillomania. For fear of being exposed, some individuals avoid getting close to others. Skin and hair loss are two more side effects.  Constant hair pulling may permanently harm the scalp or the region where hair is pulled, leading to scars, severe skin damage, and even infections. Finally, a hairball (trichobezoar) may form in the digestive system if you ingest enough hair. 

A multidisciplinary strategy including dermatologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and even family members is necessary to help the expanding and varied patient group presenting with TTM. TTM symptoms in patients may be better identified, treated, and controlled if medical practitioners have a better understanding of the condition and its many possible treatments.