This condition affects about twice as many girls as boys.

Usually, trichotillomania develops during adolescence but it can start as early as the first year.

What are the Symptoms?

• Most people with this condition pull hair out at the root from places like the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or pubic area.
• Some people pull large handfuls of hair, which can leave bald patches on the scalp or eyebrows.
• Other people pull out their hair one strand at a time.
• Some inspect the strand after pulling it out, or play with the hair after it's been pulled.
• About half of people with the condition put the hair in their mouths after pulling it.

Why the Compulsion to Pull Hair Out?

Problems like depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are also common package deals with Trichotillomania.

In fact, this condition could also be hereditary.

Having this condition can be the cause for embarrassment, frustration, shame, or depression. That is why it might not be noticeable, making it difficult to get help sooner.

Some experts think that trichotillomania might be related to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, since both anxiety disorders. This is the reason why if you are stressed or worried all the time, there is a stronger chance that that you might get this condition.

Trichotillomania may also be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. In fact, you could experience a pleasurable feeling when you pull your hair. This is when the brain mistakenly thinks that activities like hair pulling will provide relief from stress or other problems.

How to Overcome This Hair-Pulling Urge?

Since trichotillomania is connected to Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, you may need therapy, medication, or a combination of both to heal completely.

Special behaviour techniques will be taught, that will help you recognize the urge to pull hair before it becomes too strong to resist. Soon you will be able to resist the urge to pull, so that it eventually grow weaker and will go away.

It is also helpful to keep your hands busy with different activities (like squeezing a stress ball or drawing) during times when pulling is at its worse.

If you're worried about hair pulling, make sure you communicate about it, school counsellor, or someone you trust about getting help overcoming the problem.