Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)

Trichotillomania is recurrent pulling of the hair that can lead to hair loss. Despite one’s attempts to refrain from pulling, they still find the behavior to be out of their control. Areas commonly pulled are on the head, eye-brows, arms, and pubic region. Anxiety and distress are common since the behavior and hair loss result in isolation from others and avoidance of situation involving others such as school, work, or social events.

Trichotillomania is an OCD-related disorder and is part of the body focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). The behaviors begin in childhood and are mostly reported by women in adulthood.

Trichotillomania is difficult to treat and there is not just a one-size fits all treatment approach. There are often several approaches used at one time. Some of the evidence-based treatment modalities include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy (ComB). There is some overlap within these therapeutic approaches.

For more information, please visit www.bfrb.org.