Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a mental health condition where a person feels a strong need to pull out their own hair. This can happen from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body. People with trichotillomania may pull one hair at a time, or they might pull many hairs at once. Some people do it without thinking, like when they are watching TV or reading. Others feel a build-up of stress or tension before pulling and feel relief afterward. Over time, this habit can cause bald spots, damaged skin, or even infections. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed, and they may try to hide the hair loss by wearing hats, scarves, or makeup.

 

The reasons why someone develops trichotillomania are different for each person. Some people begin pulling their hair when they are feeling very anxious or stressed. Others do it when they are bored or need something to do with their hands. For some, it starts during childhood or teenage years and may continue into adulthood. It may also be linked to other mental health conditions, like anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some people say they feel a strong urge they can’t control, even if they don’t want to pull their hair. It is not something people choose to do on purpose. It’s a way their brain is trying to manage feelings or stress, even though it can make them feel worse later.

 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most helpful treatments for trichotillomania. CBT helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. A special kind of CBT called Habit Reversal Training is often used. In this kind of therapy, a person learns to notice when they feel the urge to pull their hair. They also learn how to do something else instead—like squeezing a stress ball or playing with a textured object—so their hands stay busy. The therapist also helps the person find out what triggers the hair pulling and teaches ways to handle stress in a healthier way.

 

Over time, people can learn to recognize their urges earlier and use the tools they’ve practiced to stop the habit. Therapy can also help with the feelings of shame or sadness that often come with trichotillomania. When people feel supported and understand that they are not alone, it becomes easier to make progress. With the right help, it is possible to manage trichotillomania and feel better both inside and out.